Two New Ebola
Vaccines Pass Important Early Test, Researchers Say
Summary
A study was conducted on ten macaques, or monkeys, to test
two new Ebola vaccines. Eight of the monkeys were vaccinated, while the
remainder were used as controls. Ebola expert, Thomas W. Geisbert, said that the
eight monkeys that were vaccinated displayed no sign of side effects from the
vaccine. Post vaccination, the ten monkeys were immunized with the Ebola virus
from the recent outbreak. Within a week, the unvaccinated monkeys (the control)
died, while the vaccinated monkeys remain well.
The vaccines used in this study have not been tested in
humans yet. The monkeys were used because animals are more closely related to
humans than other lab animals. This study concluded that the two new Ebola
vaccines injected in the monkeys protected them against being infected from the
virus. To prevent being affected by Ebola, only one dose of the vaccination is
needed.
Compared to an older vaccine used, the two new ones are
improved versions. The previous vaccine used caused disagreeable side effects
such as fever and pain in joints and muscles, but these side effects did not
stop this vaccine from being used. However, the side effects could cause complications
during an Ebola outbreak because they are similar to early symptoms of the
disease. Hence patients who have a fever must be tested or quarantined post
vaccination to detect an infection from the virus, or a reaction to the shot.
Analysis
As we all know, Ebola is an awfully dangerous disease that
no one wants to be infected by. Using the monkeys was a great way to decipher
the effectiveness of the vaccines. I know a lot of people are not very fond of
using animals as “guinea pigs” for studies such as these, but the outcome(s)
are extremely beneficial. From personal experience, I know and understand that
animals’ anatomy are closely related to humans. The Ebola outbreak has been
horrendous over the past year and I am delighted that two new vaccines were
discovered.
Shane’ Lennon
10:22pm
4/9/15
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