ABSTRACT

Historically, the term viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) refers to a clinical illness or syndrome characterized by high fever and a bleeding diathesis caused by a virus in one of four virus families [1]. The four virus families that cause VHF are Arenaviridae, Bunyaviridae, Flaviviridae, and Filoviridae. Currently, 12 specic viruses cause VHF, but the number is likely to expand as new viruses emerge. While all of the VHFs are caused by small RNA viruses with lipid envelopes [1], the viruses are biologically, geographically, and ecologically diverse. Most of the VHFs are zoonoses (transmissible from animal to man). The ecology and host reservoir of the viruses that cause VHF, except for the Filoviridae, are well-dened. Transmission to humans may occur from contact with the infected reservoir, a bite from an infected arthropod, aerosols generated from infected rodent excreta, or direct contact with infected patients or animal carcasses [2]. With the exception of the ¦aviviruses and Rift

14.1 Introduction .................................................................................................. 271 14.2 Filoviridae ..................................................................................................... 273

14.2.1 History .............................................................................................. 273 14.2.2 Biochemical Properties ..................................................................... 274 14.2.3 Diagnostics ....................................................................................... 274 14.2.4 Human Disease ................................................................................. 275 14.2.5 Animal Models ................................................................................. 277

14.2.5.1 Nonhuman Primates .......................................................... 277 14.2.5.2 Mouse ................................................................................. 282 14.2.5.3 Hamster .............................................................................. 283 14.2.5.4 Guinea Pig..........................................................................284 14.2.5.5 Other Animal Models ........................................................285