Jointly conducted by IRD and INSERM, this research explores the animal reservoir of Ebola viruses in Central and West Africa.
Placide Mbala-Kingebeni, researcher at TransVIHMI (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement).
Thesis defended in 2019 at the doctoral school École doctorale Sciences Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé (Montpellier ; 1992-....).
This research is the result of an international co-supervision between several partner institutions.
Referenced in the ABES/STAR network, this thesis meets the rigorous criteria of French higher education.
Research on the Ebola virus has long been hindered by uncertainty surrounding its animal reservoir, a topic that raises significant concerns within the scientific community and among policymakers. The work conducted by Placide Mbala-Kingebeni, in collaboration with the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) and INSERM, sheds crucial light on this complex and often overlooked issue. By analyzing the prevalence of anti-Ebola virus antibodies in wildlife, the study reveals that less than 1% of bats tested in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, and Cameroon show antibodies. This figure, although low, raises fundamental questions about the potential role of bats as a reservoir for the virus, an aspect that remains unclear despite decades of intensive research.
The results of this study are concerning and deserve particular attention. The detection of anti-Ebola virus antibodies is rare, and no viral RNA has been found in the collected samples, even during epidemic periods. This suggests that efforts to identify the virus's reservoir must continue, as understanding transmission dynamics is crucial for epidemic prevention. For example, the Ebola virus outbreaks that struck the West African region between 2014 and 2016 highlighted the devastating consequences of this virus, both on public health and local economies.
The search for new variants of the Ebola virus in humans, particularly those responsible for the 2018 outbreaks, underscores the importance of early and continuous genomic sequencing to guide public health interventions. Indeed, previous studies have shown that mutations in the virus's genome can influence its transmissibility and virulence. This implies that scientists must remain vigilant and proactive in their research, using advanced technologies to track the virus's evolution.
The implications of these results are vast and touch on several areas. On one hand, they highlight the need for ongoing surveillance of zoonoses, particularly in regions where interactions between humans and wildlife are frequent. For example, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where logging and subsistence agriculture are common, contacts between human populations and wild animals are inevitable. On the other hand, they emphasize the importance of a collaborative approach among researchers, governments, and international organizations to better understand and prevent future outbreaks.
It is imperative that policymakers take these results into account when developing public health policies. Preventing Ebola virus outbreaks requires a proactive approach focused on research and monitoring of potential reservoirs. This could include the establishment of awareness programs for local communities to educate them about the risks associated with wildlife and the measures to take to minimize these risks.
Investments in zoonotic disease research and public health must be strengthened to ensure a rapid and effective response to future health threats. This involves not only increased funding for epidemiological studies but also the development of partnerships between West African countries and international research institutions. Furthermore, the creation of regional surveillance networks could facilitate information sharing and coordination of response efforts.
In conclusion, research on the Ebola virus at the human-wildlife interface is essential for understanding and controlling this health threat. The recent findings from Placide Mbala-Kingebeni's study underscore the urgency of concerted action to better grasp the dynamics of the virus's transmission and protect vulnerable populations. An integrated approach, combining research, surveillance, and awareness, is essential to prevent future outbreaks and ensure health security in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and beyond.
Key Facts
- less than 1% : This is the prevalence of anti-Ebola virus antibodies in bats tested in several African countries.
Access the full study
Sources and Access
Placide Mbala-Kingebeni. Virus Ebola à l’interface homme – faune sauvage et réservoir animal des virus Ebola en République Démocratique du Congo. Sciences agricoles. Université Montpellier, 2019. Français. ⟨NNT : 2019MONTT035⟩. ⟨tel-02479442⟩