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Virus content of smallpox scabs
Bulletin of the World Health Organization
|January 1, 1974
Abstract:
Log titres of smallpoxvirus (pock-forming units per 0.1 g of scab) were estimated in scabs from 5 patients from the 13th to the 24th days of illness. They were found to vary from 3.72 to 6.54 with no diminution as convalescence progressed, and they were not related to the primary vaccination status of the patient or the clinical severity of the disease.
Insights
Smallpox virus titers in scabs remained high throughout convalescence in 5 patients. Viral load did not correlate with vaccination status or disease severity, indicating persistent infectiousness.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Smallpox, a highly contagious viral disease, poses significant public health challenges.
- Understanding smallpox virus shedding dynamics is crucial for disease control and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify smallpox virus titers in patient scabs during the convalescent phase.
- To investigate the relationship between viral load, disease severity, and vaccination status.
Main Methods:
- Log titers of smallpox virus were measured in scab samples from 5 patients.
- Samples were collected between the 13th and 24th days of illness.
Main Results:
- Smallpox virus titers ranged from 3.72 to 6.54 log pock-forming units per 0.1 g of scab.
- No significant decrease in viral titers was observed as patients recovered.
- Viral load showed no correlation with prior vaccination status or clinical presentation.
Conclusions:
- Smallpox virus remains detectable in scabs during convalescence.
- Infectious virus shedding may persist beyond the acute phase of illness.
- Vaccination status and disease severity do not appear to influence viral shedding levels in scabs.