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[Cowpox in man]
Zhurnal Mikrobiologii, Epidemiologii I Immunobiologii
|August 1, 1984
Summary
Two human vaccinia virus infections, previously absent in Poland, were identified in Rzeszów. Rodents are suspected as the source, confirmed by antibodies found in wild rodents.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Vaccinia virus (VV) infections are rare in Poland, with no recorded cases for many years in the Rzeszów province.
- Human orthopoxvirus infections require careful monitoring due to potential public health implications.
Observation:
- Two distinct cases of human vaccinia virus infection were diagnosed in Rzeszów province.
- Patients presented with localized lesions (eye, hand) and systemic symptoms including fever and malaise.
- Diagnostic methods included viral isolation, genomic analysis using restrictases, and serological investigations.
Findings:
- The causative agent was identified as vaccinia virus through comprehensive laboratory analyses.
- Genomic analysis using restrictases confirmed the viral identity.
- Serological tests supported the diagnosis of vaccinia virus infection.
Implications:
- The emergence of vaccinia virus in a region with no prior history suggests potential environmental reservoirs or transmission pathways.
- Rodents, specifically wild rats and mice, are implicated as the likely source of infection, supported by the presence of orthopoxvirus antibodies in captured animals.
- This finding highlights the importance of surveillance for zoonotic viral diseases, particularly in wildlife populations, to prevent future outbreaks.