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Vaccinia Reporter Viruses for Quantifying Viral Function at All Stages of Gene Expression
Published on: May 15, 2014
Ocular vaccinia following exposure to a smallpox vaccinee
Gang Hu1, Marcus J Wang, Marjorie J Miller
1Ocular Inflammatory Disease Center, Jules Stein Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Los Angeles, California 90095-1688, USA. dpegues@mednet.ucla.edu
Purpose:
To describe the presentation and management of the first identified case of ocular vaccinia infection associated with the current smallpox vaccination program.
Design:
Case report.
Methods:
Vaccinia virus was isolated by cell culture of a conjunctival swab. Direct staining with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled vaccinia antibody and polymerase chain reaction testing confirmed the diagnosis.
Results:
In February 2003, a 26-year-old woman developed right preseptal cellulitis and blepharoconjunctivitis following contact with a vaccinated member of the military. The preseptal cellulitis resolved with antibacterial therapy, and the conjunctival infection was treated successfully with a 14-day course of topical trifluridine and a single dose of intravenous vaccinia immune globulin.
Conclusions:
To facilitate rapid diagnosis and appropriate treatment, clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for ocular smallpox vaccine-associated adverse reactions in vaccine recipients and their close contacts.
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