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Updated: Aug 25, 2026

Vaccinia Reporter Viruses for Quantifying Viral Function at All Stages of Gene Expression
Published on: May 15, 2014
[Smallpox--eradicated disease and a potential terrorist weapon]
Anders Tegnell1, Britta Wahren, Fredrik Elgh
1Kunskapscentrum för mikrobiologisk beredskap (KCB), Smittskyddsinstitutet (SMI), Solna.
Abstract:
Smallpox is a disease that followed humanity for thousands of years up until thirty years ago. It was possible to eradicate, since an effective live vaccine from crossreacting vaccinia could be developed. Twenty years passed since vaccinations stopped and very few people are protected against the disease today. Variola today has become an object of discussion due to the possibility that it can be used as a bioweapon. Due to the number of complications that can be expected a general vaccination is probably not possible. Research is ongoing to develop new vaccines. Many countries are improving their capabilities to respond to a renewed threat of a smallpox epidemic.
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