Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
06:25
Analysis of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-specific CD8+ T-cells in Rhesus Macaques by Peptide-MHC-I Tetramer Staining
Published on: December 23, 2016
Comparative pathology of smallpox and monkeypox in man and macaques
J A Cann1, P B Jahrling, L E Hensley
1Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, USA. cannja@niaid.nih.gov
Journal of Comparative Pathology
|August 14, 2012
Summary
Smallpox, eradicated decades ago, poses a bioterrorism threat due to waning immunity. This review compares historical smallpox with monkeypox in humans and macaques for modern pathologists.
Area of Science:
- Comparative pathology
- Infectious diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Smallpox (variola virus) was eradicated globally in 1980.
- Waning population immunity increases susceptibility to orthopoxvirus threats.
- Smallpox remains a potential bioterrorism agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a contemporary review of historical smallpox.
- To compare smallpox with human monkeypox.
- To discuss smallpox and monkeypox in macaques.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical data on smallpox.
- Comparative analysis of clinical and pathological features of smallpox and monkeypox.
- Examination of orthopoxvirus diseases in animal models.
Main Results:
- Limited direct research on naturally occurring smallpox hinders interpretation of current orthopoxvirus studies.
- Comparative pathology offers insights into disease progression and host responses.
- Understanding historical smallpox is crucial for assessing modern bioterrorism risks.
Conclusions:
- Modern comparative pathology requires updated knowledge of historical smallpox.
- Comparing smallpox with monkeypox aids in understanding orthopoxvirus diseases.
- This review serves as a resource for pathologists lacking direct experience with smallpox.
