[Results of basic and applied investigations on oral immunization against smallpox ]

The results of fundamental and applied investigations on the development and trial of the oral administration of smallpox vaccine and live recombinant smallpox-hepatitis vaccine (Revax VT) in tablets are summarized. In comparative experiments on animals (rabbits, monkeys and guinea pigs) and human immunization the oral smallpox vaccine in tablets was shown to ensure equal effectiveness and greater safety in comparison with traditional smallpox vaccine for skin application. The study confirmed the natural and physiological character of oral immunization as a result of direct contact of immunogen with the mucous membrane of the digestive tract--an essential immunocompetent organ of the lymphoid system. The conclusion was made that oral immunization was the safe and most promising method of immunization against smallpox under modern conditions.