Progressive vaccinia: immunological aspects and transfer factor therapy

Progressive vaccinia is a rare and serious complication of smallpox vaccination. Depressed immune function can generally be found as an underlying disorder; thus adequate immuno-correction may be expected to be therapeutically effective. Humoral and cell-mediated immunity was repeatedly examined in one case throughout the course of the disease. Results indicated partial deficiency of cell-mediated immunity. No therapeutic effect was achieved by using human antivaccinia immunoglobulin and N-methylisatin beta-thiosemicarbazone. Transfer factor therapy was also attempted. Treatment with a non-specific transfer factor preparation was followed by a transitory clinical improvement. A specific transfer factor preparation given during the last month of life, however, had no therapeutic effect. The patient died on the 145th day after vaccination. Autopsy findings pointed to combined immune deficiency.