vaccinia virus

Introduction

Closely related to cowpox.

Uses

used in smallpox vaccine (Dryvax)

Epidemiology

• infection spread by direct contact, not aerosolization

Pathology

• causes infections localized to the site of innoculation
• lesions do contain live vaccinia
• putative receptor: epidermal growth factor receptor

Clinical manifestations

• generally localized to the site of innoculation
• vesicular or pustular lesions may occur
• lesions are NOT likely to occur on oral mucosa*
• encephalitis in severe cases

* distinguishing feature from smallpox

Laboratory

• vaccinia virus serology
• vaccinia virus DNA

Management

• contact isolation

More general terms

• orthopoxvirus

Additional terms

• epidermal growth factor receptor; receptor tyrosine-protein kinase ErbB-1 (EGFR, ERBB1, HER1)