Encomium
A new study by the University of Washington (USA) provides strong evidence that differences in genes play a key role in determining whether an infected person survives or dies from the Ebola virus.
Mice used in the study were generated from eight different strains of the animal and were bred to represent human genetic diversity. Some mice were resistant to infection, some showed symptoms but survived, and some were similar to classical lab mice (they died without showing bleeding symptoms).
About 40 per cent of the animals developed blood and liver problems similar to the hemorrhagic disease that is seen in some Ebola patients, the researchers said.
