Genome sequence analysis of Ebola virus in clinical samples from three British healthcare workers, August 2014 to March 2015

We determined complete viral genome sequences from three British healthcare workers infected with Ebola virus (EBOV) in Sierra Leone, directly from clinical samples. These sequences closely resemble those previously observed in the current Ebola virus disease outbreak in West Africa, with glycoprotein and polymerase genes showing the most sequence variation. Our data indicate that current PCR diagnostic assays remain suitable for detection of EBOV in this epidemic and provide confidence for their continued use in diagnosis. Monitoring of the evolution of the viral genome during the ongoing outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in West Africa is crucial for the early detection of mutants that may evade sequence-based diagnostics and for monitoring efficacy of therapeutic options. We present here our analysis of Ebola virus (EBOV) sequences obtained from blood samples from three British healthcare workers (HCWs) who were infected with EBOV in Sierra Leone.