The Ebola outbreak in west Africa was not driven by novel viral mutations, according to a major UK study last night.
Researchers said the finding was reassuring – suggesting the virus is not yet capable of mutating to avoid vaccines and treatments.
They confirm the theory that local factors – such as funeral customs – lay behind the rapid spread of the virus.
The researchers report that the mutation rate of the virus was only slightly higher than in previous outbreaks.
Researchers from Public Health England reported their findings in the journal Nature.
Researcher Professor Miles Carroll said: “Our analysis shows the Ebola virus responsible for the current outbreak mutated at a similar rate to the earlier outbreaks in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
"The results are good news for the scientists working to develop long-term solutions for Ebola, such as vaccines and treatments, as it means these new interventions should still work against the mutated strains of the virus."
He added: “Following this study, we have theorised that one of the key factors in whether Ebola kills someone is the host’s genetic makeup rather than changes in the virus itself.
"Our next study will investigate this theory which may lead to improved treatment options."
Carroll et al. Temporal and spatial analysis of the 2014-2015 Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa. Nature 18 June 2015
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