Related Experiment Videos
Trsmission of smallpox by contact and by aerosol routes in Macaca irus
Abstract:
Smallpox is believed not to occur naturally in species other than man. However, reports of several epizootics of an exanthematous disease, similar to smallpox, in wild monkeys have raised the question of a simian reservoir. If such a reservoir for smallpox exists, the eradication of this disease from the world would be a difficult or impossible task. Transmission of smallpox in Macaca irus has been studied to determine whether transmission occurs and if infection chains can be maintained by this species.Transmission was consistently accomplished by both contact and aerosol routes. In the contact transmission studies, the smallpox infection was maintained through 6 passages but was lost with the seventh passage. The virulence of the virus did not appear to increase as the virus was serially passed in monkeys. Continuing studies of the possible occurrence of smallpox and of monkeypox in simian populations are warranted.
Insights
Smallpox transmission was studied in monkeys (Macaca irus). The virus spread via contact and aerosol, maintaining infection through six passages, suggesting a potential simian reservoir.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Primatology
Background:
- Smallpox is historically considered exclusive to humans.
- Recent epizootics in wild monkeys suggest a potential non-human reservoir.
- A simian reservoir could impede global smallpox eradication efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate smallpox transmission dynamics in Macaca irus.
- To determine if this monkey species can maintain smallpox infection chains.
- To assess the potential for a simian reservoir of smallpox virus.
Main Methods:
- Experimental inoculation of Macaca irus with smallpox virus.
- Transmission studies via direct contact and aerosol exposure.
- Serial passage of the virus through multiple monkey generations.
Main Results:
- Smallpox transmission was achieved through both contact and aerosol routes.
- Infection was sustained through six serial passages in Macaca irus.
- Viral virulence did not increase during serial passage in the monkey model.
Conclusions:
- Macaca irus can transmit and maintain smallpox infection, supporting the possibility of a simian reservoir.
- Further research into smallpox and monkeypox in simian populations is crucial.
- The potential for a non-human reservoir complicates global smallpox eradication strategies.