Marburgvirus

Marburgvirus is a genus of viruses in the family Filoviridae. It comprises two species: Marburg marburgvirus and Ravn marburgvirus. The viruses within these species are known to cause Marburg virus disease in humans and nonhuman primates. The genus is phylogenetically related to the Ebolavirus genus, but Marburgvirus is distinct and associated with different outbreaks.

Virions are enveloped, filamentous particles that can be bullet-shaped and vary in length. The complete genome is a nonsegmented, negative-sense RNA about 19 kilobases in length. Natural reservoirs are fruit bats, particularly species of the genus Rousettus. Spillover to humans can occur through bat exposure or handling of infected animals; human-to-human transmission occurs via contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, or sharps. Outbreaks are often linked to hospital settings and caregiving.

Clinical features range from asymptomatic to fulminant hemorrhagic fever. Incubation is generally 2–21 days. Early symptoms include fever, malaise, headache, and myalgia; progress to vomiting, diarrhea, rash, chest pain, and impaired organ function, with hemorrhagic manifestations in severe cases. Case fatality rates vary widely between outbreaks and strains. There is no widely licensed vaccine or approved antiviral therapy; management is supportive care. Public health measures focus on rapid diagnosis (RT-PCR, antigen detection, serology), strict infection control, contact tracing, and safe burial practices. Vaccines and therapeutic antibodies are under development and testing.