ABSTRACT
Ebola virus appears to produce Ebola virus diseases (EVD) only in humans and in nonhuman primates. This fact presents challenges in the clinical evaluation of antiviral therapy as well as vaccines. The lack of availability of renal replacement therapy (RRT), including hemodialysis, greatly complicates the treatment of patients in resource-deprived areas. The mainstay of supportive care of patients with EVD is replacement of gastrointestinal fluid and electrolyte losses. Gastrointestinal involvement in EVD is present in most cases and is severe in fatal cases. The rapid decline in human cases of EVD beginning in early 2015 limited the opportunities for clinical trials. Empiric treatment for malaria was commonly given during the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014–2016. Infection with Ebola virus is characterized by the disruption of normal clotting pathways, particularly through the overproduction of tissue procoagulant factors. This results in disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and the hemorrhagic complications associated with EVD.
