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Updated: Aug 4, 2026
10:55
Vaccinia Virus Infection & Temporal Analysis of Virus Gene Expression: Part 2
Published on: April 10, 2009
Fatal progressive vaccinia in two immunodeficient infants
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases. Supplementum
|January 1, 1980
Summary
Two infants developed fatal progressive vaccinia after vaccination due to severe combined immunodeficiencies affecting both humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Treatments including antivaccinia immunoglobulin and interferon were ineffective.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Genetics
Background:
- Vaccinia virus vaccination is a standard procedure, but can pose risks in immunocompromised individuals.
- Progressive vaccinia is a rare but severe complication of smallpox vaccination.
Observation:
- Two infants, vaccinated at two months, developed fatal progressive vaccinia.
- Both infants exhibited severe combined immunodeficiencies affecting humoral and cell-mediated immunity.
- Physical examination revealed hypoplasia of the thymus and lymphoid organs in both infants.
Findings:
- The female infant had low immunoglobulin levels and defective lymphocyte function.
- The male infant presented with hypogammaglobulinemia and a lack of T-lymphocytes.
- Both infants shared HLA haplotype A3, B8; the male infant had an HLA region crossover.
Implications:
- This case highlights the critical importance of assessing immune status before vaccination.
- Severe combined immunodeficiencies can lead to fatal outcomes following vaccinia virus exposure.
- Genetic factors, including HLA type, may influence susceptibility to severe vaccine complications.
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