Post-exposure prophylaxis following high-risk contact with Ebola virus, using immunotherapies with monoclonal antibodies, in the eastern DRC: an emergency use program.

Introduction With the development of therapeutics and vaccine against Ebola Virus Disease, the question of post exposure prophylaxis for high risk contact emerged. Immunotherapies (monoclonal antibodies, mAbs) recently validated for treatment of infected patients appears to be good candidate to protect contacts. Design During the 10th EVD outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we have administrated mAbs (Mab114 or REGN-EB3) to high and intermediate risk contact of Ebola Virus Disease patients. Results Overall, 23 non vaccinated contacts received mAbs after a median delay between contact and post exposure prophylaxis of 1 day (IQR 1,2). 14 days after the contact, all contacts were free of symptoms and all had negative RT-PCR CONCLUSION: Immunotherapies appears to be promising candidates to protect contacts of Ebola Virus Disease. Interaction with vaccine and larger study on efficacy need to be conducted.