How are poxviruses transmitted?
Poxviruses are transmitted between individuals by several routes: by aerosol and droplets (variola virus), by introduction of virus into small skin abrasions after direct or indirect contact with an infected animal (orf virus, milker’s nodule virus), and in the case of some animal poxviruses mechanically by biting …
Is poxvirus a DNA virus?
Poxviruses are brick or oval-shaped viruses with large double-stranded DNA genomes. Poxviruses exist throughout the world and cause disease in humans and many other types of animals. Poxvirus infections typically result in the formation of lesions, skin nodules, or disseminated rash.
Where is poxvirus most commonly found?
The most common are vaccinia (seen on Indian subcontinent) and molluscum contagiosum, but monkeypox infections are rising (seen in west and central African rainforest countries)….
| Poxviridae | |
|---|---|
| Order: | Chitovirales |
| Family: | Poxviridae |
| Subfamilies | |
| See text |
How is poxvirus diagnosed?
The disease can be definitively diagnosed by isolation of the virus from the blood or lesions, or by identification of antibodies in the blood made in response to the virus. The diagnosis of smallpox is made in specialized laboratories with appropriate testing techniques and measures to protect the laboratory workers.
What is the most infectious disease in history?
Perhaps the most notorious of all infectious diseases, the bubonic and pneumonic plagues are believed to be the cause of the Black Death that rampaged through Asia, Europe and Africa in the 14th century killing an estimated 50 million people.
What skin condition is caused by poxvirus?
Molluscum contagiosum is an infection caused by a poxvirus (molluscum contagiosum virus). The result of the infection is usually a benign, mild skin disease characterized by lesions (growths) that may appear anywhere on the body.
What pathogen causes poxviruses?
The most well known member of the genus is variola virus, the causative agent of smallpox. Other notable members include vaccinia virus which is used in the current smallpox vaccine; cowpox virus, first introduced by Edward Jenner in the late 18th Century as the material of the first vaccine; and monkeypox virus.