An experimental Ebola vaccine has been found to offer total protection against Ebola. Although its a live virus, Vesicular Stomatitis Virus, is closely related to Rabies, the virus is considered safe, according to Forbes.
Here are seven notes:
1. VSV infection generally leads to a very mild disease. Unlike Rabies, VSV is not deadly.
2. VSV's genetic code has instructions to produce five proteins whereas Ebola's genome encodes seven proteins.
3. Researchers swapped the gene for VSV surface protein with Ebola's surface protein, therefore devising a 'recombinant' virus.
4. The vaccine, rVSV-ZEBO, triggers immune cells to create antibodies against the antigens produced by the genetically-modified VSV including the Ebola protein.
5. Generally, the vaccine is considered safe, but some patients may exhibit side effects including mild VSV disease. However, the mild disease is a better alternative than suffering Ebola.
6. The vaccine has been tested as phase 3, which was carried out in Guinea.
7. It was found to provide 100 percent protection when administered as a prophylactic treatment. The vaccine, rVSV-ZEBOV, is the first vaccine for Ebola proven effective.
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