A Breakthrough Antibody Treatment Could Cure Ebola

Doctors at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand claim to have developed a cure for the Ebola virus.  The ebola virus is responsible for over 3,000 deaths in West Africa this year alone.  The antibody was developed with the use of human genes, not the Ebola virus itself.  It is small enough to enter infected cells and access virus proteins.  Dr. Udom Kachinthorn stated, "The antibody is five times smaller than what is being tested in the United States.  The antibody has different structures, mechanisms, and is more efficient, making a cure derived from it more effective."

The antibody developed by doctors in Thailand is still at least a year away from empirical application.  The next step is to conduct testing on animals before administering human trials.  If human trials are successful, the antibody would need to undergo mass production immediately.  The doctors emphasize that the treatment is not a vaccine.  Dr. Wanpen Chaicumpa stated, "The treatment would be administered after infection through injection."

The image above displays how humans can acquire the Ebola virus

Ultimately, the antibody would work by stimulating the body's natural immune system to fight off infections by replicating the imperative antibodies.  However, it is important to note that Ebola originates from a family of viruses that produce hemorrhagic fevers.  Although the antibody treatment is capable of treating one strain of the virus, it does not necessarily mean it will be effective against Ebola.  This article caught my eye immediately, as the Ebola virus continues to be a great concern for people throughout the entire world.  For awhile now, I have heard of the mass number of fatalities the virus is responsible for.  Currently, there is no cure for the virus.  However, I realize that the development of this antibody is a huge step forward in finding a possible cure.    

Article [1]: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/social/435516/siriraj-claims-breakthrough-antibody-treatment-could-cure-ebola
Related Articles: http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/ebola-outbreak-thailands-siriraj-hospital-creates-antibody-treatment-deadly-virus-1467727
                            http://www.establishmentpost.com/thailand-announces-cure-vaccine-for-ebola/