SPADA

Smallpox: Considerations for testing

Victoria A. Olson Ph.D. Poxvirus and Rabies Branch Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

March 22, 2016

DivisionofHigh ConsequencePathogens and Pathology NationalCenter forEmerging and Zoonotic InfectiousDiseases

Poxvirus 101

Family of large, double stranded DNA viruses Within genera, antigenic similarity: cross protection Complex viruses, cytoplasmic lifecycle Genus Orthopoxvirus: 90-98% nucleotide identity across species Variola, Vaccinia, Cowpox, Monkeypox – all can cause human disease • Variola evolved to be a sole human pathogen: SMALLPOX Camelpox, Ectromelia, Taterapox are NOT known to cause human disease