[Cowpox virus infection in a young girl]

An genuine cowpox virus was isolated in a 6-year-old girl with a circumscribed skin lesion between the thumb and forefinger. In the beginning, the lesion was a proliferating skin change, which later became ulcerative with central hemorrhagic necrosis (umbilicated pock). Electron microscopy as well as histological, biological (cell and host range) and serological methods were used to characterize the virus. Cats and rodents are discussed as potential virus carriers. Voluntary vaccination against orthopox should be provided for persons at risk of infection.