39.4 Transmission

In poxviruses, transmission is through direct contact. In case of small pox, the virus is found in lesions in the upper respiratory tract, which can be transmitted to others in droplet secretions, and in skin lesions. Route of transmission makes its spread relatively slow. The mechanical transmission of the virus by flies is also reported.

 

39.5 Pathogenicity

 

39.6 Important poxviruses

39.6.1 Vaccinia virus:

The virus causes a wide spread infection in animal and humans. The causative agent is an Orthopoxvirus. Symptoms of the disease includes pustular lesion in the teat and udder of the dairy cattle. Outbreaks in human produce lesions in hands and face of milkers who are not protected from smallpox.

39.6.2 Monkeypox virus

Monkey pox virus is a zoonotic agent with a wide host range. The virus was first reported in Democratic Republic of Congo. The signs of the disease include pustular rashes in the body, high fever and enlargement of lymph nodes.