Advances in Rift Valley fever research: insights for disease prevention

Curr Opin Infect Dis. 2010 Oct;23(5):403-8. doi: 10.1097/QCO.0b013e32833c3da6.

Abstract

Purpose of review: The purpose was to review recent research on Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) infection, encompassing four main areas: epidemiology and outbreak prediction, viral pathogenesis, human diagnostics and therapeutics, and vaccine and therapeutic candidates.

Recent findings: RVFV continues to extend its range in Africa and the Middle East. Better definition of RVFV-related clinical syndromes and human risk factors for severe disease, combined with early-warning systems based on remote-sensing, simplified rapid diagnostics, and tele-epidemiology, hold promise for earlier deployment of effective outbreak control measures. Advances in understanding of viral replication pathways and host cell-related pathogenesis suggest means for antiviral therapeutics and for more effective vaccination strategies based on genetically engineered virus strains or subunit vaccines.

Summary: RVFV is a significant health and economic burden in many areas of Africa, and remains a serious threat to other parts of the world. Development of more effective methods for RVFV outbreak prevention and control remains a global health priority.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Africa / epidemiology
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Humans
  • Middle East / epidemiology
  • Remote Sensing Technology
  • Rift Valley Fever / diagnosis
  • Rift Valley Fever / epidemiology*
  • Rift Valley Fever / prevention & control
  • Rift Valley Fever / virology*
  • Rift Valley fever virus / immunology
  • Rift Valley fever virus / pathogenicity*
  • Telemedicine
  • Viral Vaccines / immunology*
  • Virology / methods

Substances

  • Viral Vaccines