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Vaccinia Virus Infection & Temporal Analysis of Virus Gene Expression: Part 1
12:00

Vaccinia Virus Infection & Temporal Analysis of Virus Gene Expression: Part 1

Published on: April 8, 2009

Review of poxvirus: emergence of monkeypox

A Morand1, S Delaigue2, J J Morand3

  • 1Service de pédiatrie, CHU Timone, Marseille, France.

Medecine Et Sante Tropicales
|April 14, 2017
PubMed

Insights

This review covers poxvirus infections, including eradicated smallpox, emergent monkeypox and cowpox, and molluscum contagiosum. Monitoring is crucial due to bioterrorism risks and increased global travel.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Poxvirus infections encompass a range of viral diseases with varying public health significance.
  • Smallpox, though eradicated, poses a persistent threat due to potential reintroduction.
  • Emerging poxviruses like monkeypox and cowpox are of increasing concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diverse spectrum of poxvirus infections.
  • To highlight the ongoing risks associated with smallpox and the emergence of other poxviruses.
  • To discuss the clinical significance and public health implications of molluscum contagiosum.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of poxvirus infections.
  • Analysis of epidemiological trends and risk factors for poxvirus dissemination.
  • Clinical case discussions for molluscum contagiosum.

Main Results:

  • Smallpox eradication requires continued vigilance against reintroduction.
  • Monkeypox and cowpox are emergent threats amplified by global transport and waning immunity.
  • Molluscum contagiosum presents mild infections in children and serves as an indicator for STIs and AIDS in adults.

Conclusions:

  • Poxvirus infections remain a significant public health concern requiring ongoing surveillance.
  • Factors such as international travel and loss of vaccination increase the risk of poxvirus outbreaks.
  • Understanding the varied clinical presentations of poxviruses is essential for diagnosis and management.
Keywords:
cowpoxmolluscum contagiosummonkeypoxorfpoxvirussmallpoxvaccinia

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