Filovirus Research in Gabon and Equatorial Africa The Experience of a Research Center in the Heart of Africa.docVIP

Viruses 2012, 4, 1592-1604; doi:10.3390/v4091592 OPEN ACCESS viruses ISSN 1999-4915 /journal/viruses Article Filovirus Research in Gabon and Equatorial Africa: The Experience of a Research Center in the Heart of Africa Eric Leroy 1,2,* and Jean Paul Gonzalez 1,2,3 1 Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (Franceville International Center for Medical Research), CIRMF, Libreville BP 2105, Gabon; E-Mail: jean-paul.gonzalez@ird.fr 2 Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, IRD, Marseille 13055, France 3 French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, French Embassy 75116, Gabon * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: eric.leroy@ird.fr; Tel.: +241-01677-106; Fax: +241-01677-295. Received: 13 August 2012; in revised form 30 August 2012 / Accepted: 30 August 2012 / Published: 13 September 2012 Abstract: Health research programs targeting the population of Gabon and Equatorial Africa at the International Center for Medical Research in Franceville (CIRMF), Gabon, have evolved during the years since its inception in 1979 in accordance with emerging diseases. Since the reemergence of Ebola virus in Central Africa, the CIRMF “Emerging Viral Disease Unit” developed diagnostic tools and epidemiologic strategies and transfers of such technology to support the response of the National Public Health System and the World Health Organization to epidemics of Ebola virus disease. The Unit carries out a unique investigation program on the natural history of the filoviruses, emergence of epidemics, and Ebola virus pathogenesis. In addition, academic training is provided at all levels to regional and international students covering emerging conditions (host factors, molecular biology, genetics) that favor the spread of viral diseases. Keywords: filovirus; Central Africa; CIRMF; Gabon; bats; immunology; Ebola; hemorrhagic fever  Viruses 2012, 4 1593 1