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Smallpox, Monkeypox and Other Human Orthopoxvirus Infections
Galina A Shchelkunova1, Sergei N Shchelkunov1
1State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology "Vector", Rospotrebnadzor, Koltsovo, 630559 Novosibirsk, Russia.
Viruses
|January 21, 2023
Summary
Smallpox vaccination cessation has reduced immunity to orthopoxviruses, increasing risks from monkeypox and similar diseases. This review analyzes viral evolution, diagnosis, and treatments for these infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Smallpox vaccination with vaccinia virus caused adverse effects, leading to its discontinuation by WHO in 1980.
- Cessation of smallpox vaccination has resulted in waning population immunity to orthopoxviruses.
- Increased human infections with zoonotic orthopoxviruses, notably monkeypox, raise concerns about potential re-emergence of smallpox-like diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the genomic organization and evolution of human pathogenic orthopoxviruses.
- To review modern diagnostic methods for smallpox, monkeypox, and other zoonotic orthopoxvirus infections.
- To examine advancements in vaccination and chemotherapy for these viral diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on orthopoxvirus genomics and evolution.
- Analysis of research on diagnostic techniques for orthopoxvirus infections.
- Review of therapeutic strategies, including vaccination and chemotherapy.
Main Results:
- Orthopoxviruses exhibit genomic diversity and evolutionary dynamics relevant to zoonotic transmission.
- Modern diagnostics enable accurate identification of various orthopoxvirus infections.
- Vaccination and chemotherapy options are evolving for managing orthopoxvirus diseases.
Conclusions:
- The decline in smallpox immunity necessitates a re-evaluation of public health strategies against orthopoxviruses.
- Understanding viral evolution is crucial for predicting and mitigating future outbreaks.
- Continued research into diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments is essential for controlling zoonotic orthopoxvirus infections.
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