Marburg Virus Disease: A Comprehensive Review

The Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) caused by Marburg Virus (MARV) and Ravn Virus (RAVV), collectively known as Marburgvirus, is a deadly zoonotic hemorrhagic fever with case fatality rates ranging from 23% to 90%, making it one of the deadliest known diseases. Its sporadic and unpredictable outbreaks and occasional case transfer to non-endemic areas means the viruses could pose a threat to global health. Despite almost six decades of research, there is currently no licensed vaccine or antiviral treatment for MVD. Although a few vaccine and therapeutic candidates offer hope, they are still under clinical evaluation, relying on outbreak scenarios for real-world testing. This review provides a comprehensive overview of Marburgvirus, aiming to address gap areas like challenges in early diagnosis, limited understanding of MARV-RAVV differences, the need for medical countermeasures while also laying down foundations for vaccine and therapeutic development. Additionally, we have covered its epidemiology, virology, pathogenesis, historical outbreaks, clinical symptoms and current medical countermeasure development efforts. The increasing frequency of MARV outbreaks, combined with the potential for global spread, reinforces the pressing need for increased public awareness, effective surveillance, outbreak preparedness, and accelerated medical countermeasure development.