Pathology

Marburg and Ebola: Similarities and Differences in Symptoms and Treatment

In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between these two viruses and how they are treated.

Ebola-Cases.com

Feb 18, 2023 • 4 min read

Photo by Sam Moghadam Khamseh / Unsplash

Marburg and Ebola are two of the most well-known viruses in the Filoviridae family. They both cause viral hemorrhagic fever and have similar symptoms, but there are also some differences in the way they present and their treatment options. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between these two viruses and how they are treated.

What is Marburg Virus?

Marburg virus (MARV) is a virus of the Filoviridae family that causes Marburg virus disease, a form of viral hemorrhagic fever. It was first identified in 1967 during an outbreak in Marburg, Germany. Since then, there have been sporadic outbreaks in Africa, with the most recent outbreak occurring in Uganda in 2017.

The virus is transmitted to humans through contact with the bodily fluids of infected animals, usually fruit bats or primates. It can also be transmitted between humans through contact with bodily fluids, including blood, vomit, and feces. The symptoms of Marburg virus disease usually begin with a sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches. This is followed by vomiting, diarrhea, and a rash. In severe cases, patients may experience hemorrhage, both internally and externally, which can lead to shock and death.

What is Ebola Virus?

Ebola virus (EBOV) is also a virus of the Filoviridae family that causes Ebola virus disease, another form of viral hemorrhagic fever. It was first identified in 1976 during an outbreak in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since then, there have been sporadic outbreaks in Africa, with the most recent outbreak occurring in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2020.

Like Marburg virus, Ebola virus is transmitted to humans through contact with the bodily fluids of infected animals, usually fruit bats or primates. It can also be transmitted between humans through contact with bodily fluids, including blood, vomit, and feces. The symptoms of Ebola virus disease are similar to Marburg virus disease, with fever, headache, muscle aches, and vomiting. However, Ebola virus disease is often more severe, with a higher mortality rate.

Similarities between Marburg and Ebola

As mentioned earlier, Marburg and Ebola viruses share many similarities. Both are transmitted through contact with bodily fluids and cause viral hemorrhagic fever. The symptoms of both diseases are also similar, with fever, headache, muscle aches, and vomiting. In severe cases, patients may experience hemorrhage, shock, and death.

Differences between Marburg and Ebola

Despite their similarities, there are also some differences between Marburg and Ebola viruses. One of the main differences is their mortality rate. Marburg virus disease has a mortality rate of 23-90%, depending on the outbreak, while Ebola virus disease has a mortality rate of up to 90%.

Another difference is the incubation period. The incubation period for Marburg virus disease is typically 5-10 days, while the incubation period for Ebola virus disease is usually 2-21 days.

Treatment options for both diseases are also similar, with no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments. However, supportive care is crucial in both cases, including intravenous fluids, electrolyte replacement, and blood transfusions in severe cases. Early, professional treatment of symptoms like dehydration considerably increases survival chances.

Differences in Symptoms and Diagnosis

While both Marburg and Ebola viruses belong to the same family of viruses and share many similarities, there are some differences in the symptoms they cause. The incubation period for Marburg virus is typically between 5 and 10 days, while the incubation period for Ebola virus is between 2 and 21 days. The initial symptoms of Marburg virus are similar to those of Ebola virus, including fever, headache, muscle aches, and weakness. However, Marburg virus can also cause hiccups, abdominal pain, and conjunctivitis (inflammation of the membranes lining the eyelids and eye socket).

One of the most significant differences between Marburg and Ebola viruses is the mortality rate. While the mortality rate for Ebola virus ranges from 25% to 90%, depending on the strain and the quality of medical care, the mortality rate for Marburg virus is higher, ranging from 50% to 90%. Additionally, Marburg virus is more likely to cause severe bleeding (hemorrhaging) than Ebola virus.

Diagnosis of Marburg virus is similar to that of Ebola virus. A blood sample is taken and tested for the presence of the virus using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, doctors may perform a complete blood count (CBC) to look for abnormalities in white blood cell counts, which can indicate an infection.

Treatment Options

As mentioned earlier, there are currently no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for Marburg virus. However, supportive care can help manage symptoms and improve survival rates. Treatment may include hydration, pain management, and blood transfusions to replace lost fluids and blood. Doctors may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent secondary infections, and they may use medications to manage bleeding and blood pressure.

In addition to supportive care, experimental treatments are being developed to treat Marburg virus. For example, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are being developed as a potential treatment option. These are laboratory-made antibodies that target the virus and can help the immune system fight the infection.

In contrast, there are several experimental treatments and vaccines currently being tested for Ebola virus. One of the most promising is the rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine, which has been shown to be highly effective in clinical trials. This vaccine is currently being used in outbreak situations to help control the spread of the virus.

Conclusion

Marburg and Ebola viruses are both highly dangerous and deadly viruses that can cause hemorrhagic fever. While the two viruses share many similarities in terms of symptoms and transmission, there are some differences. Marburg virus is typically more deadly than Ebola virus and is more likely to cause severe bleeding. Additionally, there are currently no approved treatments or vaccines for Marburg virus, while several experimental treatments and vaccines are being tested for Ebola virus.

It is essential to take precautions to prevent the spread of both viruses. This includes avoiding contact with infected people or animals and practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding contact with bodily fluids. In addition, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately if you develop symptoms of either virus, as early treatment can significantly improve your chances of survival.