Filoviruses are highly pathogenic for human and for several
African animal species. They are known to circulate principally
within the tropical forested region of Central Africa. Since 1995,
yearly deadly epidemics of Ebolavirus occurred, within the
Congolese Basin, among humans and, also several epizootic
manifestations were recorded which produce an intense reduction
of chimpanzee and gorilla populations.
Numerous efforts have been made in parallel in different domains
in order to understand, at every magnitude, Filovirus ecology from
genetics, to physiopathology and bioecology. Such efforts have
produced major breakthrough for the understanding of Filovirus
evolutive biology and also their mechanisms of action from cellular
level, to host pathology, to societies and their connections with
the environment.
Although, be aware than many efforts are still needed, the
ultimate objectives of control and prevention are on our reach and
the reality of developing efficient vaccine and therapy are not
anymore illusory. It is now the time and, Central Africa, an
idealistic location to bring together our scientific diversity for a
thoughtful approach to such decisive challenges.
An international symposium will take place in Gabon as an
exemplary place, of the heart of endemic region of Ebola virus, to
synthesize knowledge on Filoviruses in their natural environment,
and also to expose to the scientific community and propose to the
countries the most exposed, strategies and tools for prevention
and therapy.
The symposium will be divided into three sessions:
1 Environment and Filovirus
2 Cell system and Filovirus interaction
3 Filovirus treatment and prevention
These symposia will seek to build on the experience of previous
events held in Marburg, Germany in 2000; in Bethesda, MD, USA
in 2003; and in Winnipeg, MB, Canada in 2006.
The objectives of these meetings will be to provide opportunities
for researchers working on filoviruses to present their work to
peers, foster new collaborations, and facilitate efforts to develop
effective countermeasures against these pathogens.
