Da Dona
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
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Researchers at Makerere University have identified genetic changes in the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus (BDBV) that could reduce the effectiveness of some existing diagnostic tests, prompting efforts to develop new Uganda-made test kits and providing crucial information for future treatments and vaccine research.
The findings come as the Bundibugyo strain continues to spread in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where it has caused the largest recorded outbreak of the disease.
Prof. Bruce Kirenga, Principal of the College of Health Sciences at Makerere University, said the newly identified genetic changes suggest that some existing diagnostic tools, which were designed using the virus's earlier genetic profile, may no longer be fully effective.
He explained that diagnostic tests are developed based on a pathogen's genetic sequence, and significant mutations can reduce the ability of those tests to accurately detect infections.
"Our findings show that the virus has evolved genetically, meaning some of the currently available diagnostic tools may not perform as effectively as intended," Kirenga said.
He revealed that the research team is already using the findings to develop Uganda-made diagnostic kits specifically tailored to the strain currently circulating in the region.
According to Kirenga, the genomic data is also enhancing disease surveillance by enabling scientists to trace the origin, evolution and transmission patterns of the ongoing outbreak in the DRC, strengthening regional preparedness and response efforts.
While acknowledging that the research may appear highly technical, he said the findings have significant public health implications, particularly in improving disease detection, outbreak response and preparedness for future epidemics.
Commenting on the study, Prof. Wilber Sabiiti, Head of Research at the Interdisciplinary Consortium for Epidemic Research (ICER), said ongoing studies indicate that the antiviral drug Remdesivir remains effective against the Bundibugyo strain despite the newly identified genetic changes.
Remdesivir has previously been used to treat Ebola patients in Uganda. However, Sabiiti cautioned that additional research is needed to determine how effective current treatments will remain as the virus continues to evolve.
Uganda currently has no active cases of Ebola Bundibugyo disease after discharging its last patient last week. During the latest outbreak, the country recorded 20 confirmed cases, of which 15 were imported from the Democratic Republic of Congo, reflecting the cross-border nature of the outbreak.
Meanwhile, the DRC continues to bear the brunt of the epidemic. As of Monday, the country had reported 2,344 confirmed Ebola Bundibugyo cases and 930 deaths, making it the largest recorded outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain.
Scientists say the latest findings underscore the importance of continuous genomic surveillance to ensure diagnostic tests remain accurate, improve outbreak monitoring, guide treatment decisions and support the future development of vaccines against the evolving virus.
Observer.
