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Updated: Aug 30, 2025
12:00
Vaccinia Virus Infection & Temporal Analysis of Virus Gene Expression: Part 1
Published on: April 8, 2009
10.4K
Comparative Pathology of Zoonotic Orthopoxviruses
1Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 26, 2022
Summary
The eradication of smallpox through vaccination was critical. Discontinuing vaccination led to zoonotic Orthopoxvirus (OPXV) diseases like Monkeypox virus (MPXV), necessitating comparative pathology studies.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- * Orthopoxvirus (OPXV), specifically Variola virus, historically impacted human health, leading to successful eradication via vaccination.
- * Discontinuation of OPXV vaccination has resulted in the emergence of zoonotic OPXV diseases, notably Monkeypox virus (MPXV).
Purpose of the Study:
- * To compare the pathology of zoonotic OPXV infections in veterinary species and humans.
- * To highlight the importance of recognizing poxvirus lesions and subtle disease signs across multiple species for infection control.
Main Methods:
- * Review of historical data on Variola virus and vaccination.
- * Comparative analysis of pathology reports for zoonotic OPXV, including MPXV, in various animal species and humans.
- * Synopsis of pathology observed in animal models of MPXV infection.
Main Results:
- * Zoonotic OPXV infections present distinct pathological findings in different species.
- * MPXV has recently spread among human populations.
- * There is potential for MPXV persistence in Europe and the Americas.
Conclusions:
- * Understanding and recognizing OPXV pathology in both animals and humans is crucial for preventing disease spread.
- * The re-emergence of MPXV underscores the need for continued vigilance and research into OPXV diseases.
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