A case of an Ebola survivor shows that immune activation, uveitis, and nonspecific rises in antibody titers are symptoms of the convalescent phase of the Ebola virus.
This was discovered in a case involved a U.S. doctor who caught Ebola while he was in Liberia. He shows signs of probable ophthalmologic complications related to the Ebola virus.
Researchers say this demonstrates the immune system’s fight against the virus. This phase could complicate how health care workers strive to manage the Ebola virus and its related uveitis when patients enter the convalescence phase.
On Aug. 29, 2014, the doctor developed a fever when he was serving Ebola patients in Liberia. Using reverse transcription PCR of the doctor’s blood plasma, the workers found he had contracted the virus and he was sent to the U.S.
While in the U.S., the patient received TKM-100-802 siRNA LNP, an investigational drug created by Tekmira Pharmaceuticals in Canada. As additional treatment, he was administered plasma from an Ebola survivor who was already in the convalescent phase of the illness.
While hospitalized, the patient had bilateral conjunctivitis. This issue quickly dissipated without ocular symptoms or formal ophthalmologic exams. He experienced significant vision problems due to uveitis.
Researchers have not yet determined whether cytopathic effect or the immune system causes the uveitis.
