Marburg, Junín, Machupo, and Kyasanur Forest Disease Viruses: Etiology, Epidemiology, Chemical Architecture, Morphological Fingerprinting, Biomolecular Pathogenesis, Arenaviruses, Orthoflaviviruses, BSL-4 Protocols

Abstract

The zoonotic importance of Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) is well documented for Marburg virus (MARV), Junín virus (JUNV), Machupo virus (MACV), and Kyasanur Forest Disease virus (KFDV) due to their high morbidity, mortality, and potential to cause epidemics. Although the above-mentioned viruses are members of different virus families, they have some common pathogenic features such as zoonosis, dysregulation of immunity, endothelial damage, and systemic illness. This review presents an analysis of their causes, prevalence, chemical structure, morphological identification, biochemical etiology, diagnostic techniques, treatment methods, and Biosafety Level-4 (BSL-4) laboratory techniques. Focus is made on human clinical, molecular, and epidemiological data, and less is emphasized on animal experiments. The latest molecular techniques of diagnostics, genome-wide monitoring, vaccine research, anti-viral agents and biosafety measures have helped in detecting and preparing for any outbreak of such diseases. But absence of specific treatments, lack of monitoring in endemic areas, and lack of laboratory facilities still present a challenge for controlling these diseases. In addition, the review identifies research deficiencies existing in today’s scientific field and stresses the necessity of applying One Health principles, international cooperation, developing biosafety capacity and conducting more human-oriented research on VHFs.