Experts are launching a research project in Rwanda that could shed light on the body’s response to the deadly Marburg virus, and hopefully guide the development of new tests, treatment and vaccines.
Up to 300 participants will be invited to enrol in the pioneering study, including people who recently recovered from Marburg infection and their close contacts, and which is being led by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), to advance understanding on the immune responses in survivors and how the virus operates and persists in the body.
The country recently rapidly and effectively responded to its first-ever outbreak of the highly contagious disease, which was declared over on 20 December, and during which 66 people were infected, most being healthcare workers who came into contact with infected patients.
Fifteen people died.
Rwanda’s response to the outbreak had included mass contact tracing, mass testing and the launch of a phase 2 trial to assess the Marburg vaccine candidate developed by Sabin Vaccine Institute.
The country has invested heavily in its healthcare system in recent years and has incorporated epidemic preparedness into its national health policies.
By donating their blood samples, those who recovered can help researchers identify the levels of antibodies, B cells, T cells and other immune responses and markers that correspond with protection.
The two-year research project will run in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, with funding from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and running in collaboration with the Rwandan clinical research centre, Rinda Ubuzima.
The new CEPI funding will also be used to purchase laboratory materials, such as freezers, to safely store the biological samples donated for the project, and to enhance Rwanda’s research capacity and resources to respond to future infectious disease outbreaks.
CEPI and the RBC signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2022 to improve and accelerate vaccine research, development and manufacturing in Rwanda. CEPI and partners are also working with the Rwandan Government to test the 100 Days Mission, a goal to shorten the time required to develop vaccines against new viral threats, through table-top exercises.
CEPI article – Research on Marburg outbreak in Rwanda to shed light on virus immunity (Open access)
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Rwanda success story in controlling Marburg outbreak
Rwanda’s Marburg wanes as mpox cases increase