The Ancient Roots of Ebola

   New research has shown that the family of viruses to which Ebola and its lethal relative Marburg belong to, called filoviruses, are at least 16-23 million years old. Filoviruses have apparently been interacting with mammals for several million years. Knowledge of both of these viruses and their ancient roots and evolution could lead to the development of vaccines and programs that identify emerging pathogens. 

To study the evolution of viruses, the research team at UB, including Jeremy Bruenn, looked at viral "fossil genes", which are chunks of genetic material that animals and other organisms accept from viruses during infection. Scientists have found traces of filovirus-like genes in rodents. One of the genes, called VP35, appeared in the same spot in the genomes of multiple rodent species, meaning the material was likely acquired before rodents evolved into distinct species 16-23 million years ago.

These new findings could help greatly in the disease prevention effort. The first Ebola outbreak occurred in 1976, but scientists know little about it. Understanding the virus's ancient roots can help create a vaccine. Also, knowing more about filoviruses in general may provide insight into which host species might contain undiscovered pathogens related to Ebola. Essentially, the more scientists know about the evolution of filovirus-host interactions, the more can be discovered about who might be involved in the system.


Article: http://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2014/10/041.html

Related Article: http://www.techtimes.com/articles/18839/20141027/ebolas-ancient-roots-dig-deep-disease-goes-back-more-than-20-million-years.htm