[Cowpox - an underdiagnosed disease in Sweden?]

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Virology

Background:

• Cowpox is a zoonotic infection caused by the cowpox virus (a species of Orthopoxvirus).
• It typically manifests as a febrile illness accompanied by a distinctive eschar-like skin lesion.
• Human transmission commonly occurs via contact with infected rodents or domestic animals like cats that have interacted with rodents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on a series of eight human cowpox cases identified in Sweden.
• To increase awareness of cowpox as a potential zoonotic infection in the region.

Main Methods:

• Diagnosis was confirmed using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
• A case series approach was employed to document the clinical presentations and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Eight cases of cowpox infection were identified in Sweden.
• The clinical presentation included febrile illness and characteristic skin lesions.

Conclusions:

• Cowpox virus infections are occurring in Sweden.
• Early diagnosis through methods like PCR is crucial for managing Orthopoxvirus infections.