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Human sealpox resulting from a seal bite: confirmation that sealpox virus is zoonotic

C Clark1, P G McIntyre, A Evans

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Ninewells Hospital &Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY, U.K.

The British Journal of Dermatology
|April 21, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Sealpox virus can infect humans, causing skin lesions that resemble orf. This case confirms sealpox transmission to people, highlighting a novel zoonotic viral risk.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Virology
  • Human Infectious Diseases
  • Zoonotic Infections

Background:

  • Orf virus (a parapoxvirus) commonly causes contagious ecthyma in sheep and goats.
  • Orf lesions in humans typically present as self-limiting papules or nodules.

Observation:

  • A marine mammal technician developed a hand lesion after a seal bite.
  • The lesion's clinical presentation was highly similar to orf.

Findings:

  • Viral DNA sequencing confirmed the lesion was caused by sealpox virus.
  • This is the first documented case of sealpox virus transmission to humans.

Implications:

  • Sealpox virus represents a potential zoonotic pathogen.
  • Understanding sealpox in humans is crucial for marine mammal handlers and public health.
  • This finding expands the known host range for parapoxviruses.

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