Introduction

Marburg virus is part of the species Orthomarburgvirus marburgense. It is part of the Filoviridae family. Marburg infection arises from prolonged exposure to mines or caves that are inhabited by bat colonies. Within the human population they can spread via direct contact with the blood, secretions and other bodily fluids. Health care workers are more likely to be infected with MARV if they come into close contact with infected patients. Some of the symptoms of Marburg Virus are fevers, severe headaches and malaise. On the third day, abdominal pain, cramping, nausea and vomiting and diarrhea may begin. The symptoms vary from 2 to 21 days.¹

Potential long-term effects

Neurological complications

Some of the long term effects caused by marburg virus is encephalitis which is an inflammation of the active tissues of the brain and it causes the brain to swell which can lead to headaches, sensitivity to light, memory problems and seizures.² Even after the patient has recovered from the virus the other long lasting effects include memory and thinking issues along with skin peeling, tiredness, muscle pain and hair loss.³

Ocular (eye) issues

Ocular issues can lead to vision loss leading to cataract, uveitis, optic neuropathy and retinal degeneration.⁴ However, such complications of ocular issues are not that common. There has been one case where a patient developed acute anterior uveitis 3 months following acute MVD onset, however it got treated with topical steroids, atropine and acetazolamide.⁵

Psychological and psychiatric effects

Since the Marburg Virus is a disease that has no specific treatments available, it does affect the mental health of patients. It can cause post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and mood disorders. Being isolated and social distancing can be a very stressful situation for patients and therefore they may need some psychological support.⁶

Chronic organ damage

In some severe cases there have been cases of acute liver failure and hepatitis during follow up appointments. This might occur due to viral hepatic tropism or due to hypotension liver injury. An acute kidney injury may also occur due to the consequence of disseminated intravascular coagulation or direct damage to the kidneys. If this issue is recognised at earlier stages via monitoring urine output and blood biochemistry then an appropriate treatment plan can be made.⁷

Reproductive system issues

Marburg virus can infect the male and female reproductive system. The virus can shed into genital fluids, in the seminal fluid of male and can be passed on through sex. However sexual transmission of the virus can be prevented by taking precautions and practicing safer sex.⁸

Long-term immune system impact

Some survivors of the marburg virus develop multivariate CD4+T cell responses but not enough CD8+T cell responses.⁹ CD8+T cells are needed for immune defense against viruses and bacteria therefore after the Marburg Virus the CD8+T becomes less effective.¹⁰ Therefore this makes the body more susceptible to secondary diseases and weakens the immune system. Furthermore, the marburg virus infection has a direct antagonism of the interferon response and has an effect which can change the adaptive immune response positively or negatively. 

Conclusion

In conclusion some of the long term effects of the Marburg Virus are neurological complications such as issues with memory and cognitive impairment. Not everyone may have this problem after the virus but some may have to deal with long term ocular issues but this symptom is quite rare. Furthermore, some chronic organ damages may include damages to the kidney but it can be resolved if discovered in the earlier stages. It is important for patients to address these long term health impacts of the Marburg Virus so that earlier precautions and treatments can be done. 

FAQs

What does the Marburg Virus do to your body?

Symptoms start out like flu-like but can progress to severe vomiting, bleeding and neurological issues within the brain and nerve.¹¹

What are the complications of the Marburg Virus?

Some of the complications include hemorrhagic fever, multi-system organ failure, shock and possibly death.¹²

What is the life expectancy of someone with the Marburg Virus? 

The average fatality rate is 50%, however they can vary from 24% to 88%.¹³

How does Marburg virus affect the immune system?

The Marburg virus hyperactivates the immune cells resulting in the release of massive amounts of cytokines.¹⁴