Jump to content

Natural reservoir of ebolavirus

Featured Replies

Did scientists find ebola's reservoir? If not, what kind of species can it be? Are there any theories?

Fruit bats are thought to have been the source.

 

Watch what you eat.

  • Author

I read about some bats that had been tested positive (for either virus' RNA or antibodies) but didn't develop any symptoms. Is there an explanation for that?

Even if present, viruses to not cause the same pathologies in all hosts. In fact there are many examples in which viruses that have co-evolved with their hosts cause few or no symptoms. Eventually they may get integrated into the genome and just get propagated with the host.

I think it has not been firmly established that fruit bats are the sources, but they are considered a very likely candidate.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.