Poxviruses

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

All authors of this article

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Dieser Artikel auf Deutsch

Requires free registration (medical professionals only)

Please login to access all articles, images, and functions.

Our content is available exclusively to medical professionals. If you have already registered, please login. If you haven't, you can register for free (medical professionals only).


Requires free registration (medical professionals only)

Please complete your registration to access all articles and images.

To gain access, you must complete your registration. You either haven't confirmed your e-mail address or we still need proof that you are a member of the medical profession.

Finish your registration now

DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Smallpox viruses are the largest known viruses, with linear double-stranded DNA, that infect mammals and birds (Chordopoxviridae) and also insects (Entemopoxviridae). Their scientific history is one of the oldest, which can be explained by the smallpox epidemics and attempts to "vaccinate" them.

General definitionThis section has been translated automatically.

The smallpox viruses are divided into Chordapoxviridae and Entemopoxviridae (pox of beetles and butterflies), with only the former having significance for humans. The following genus belongs to the subfamily of Chordapoxviridae with the associated diseases:

  • orthopox virus:
    • Varioloavirus ( smallpox, real)
    • Vaccinia virus (vaccination reactions no longer occurring today, see below Vaccinia). see below Eccema vaccinatum)
    • Cowpox virus ( cowpox in humans )
    • cat pox virus ( cat pox in humans )
    • Monkey Pox Virus
    • Camel Pox Virus
    • "Hors pox virus"
  • parapoxvirus:
  • Avipox viruses (of no relevance to humans)
  • Capripox virus (of no relevance to humans)
  • leporipoxvirus:
    • Myxoma virus (no known human diseases)
    • Fibromatosis virus of rabbits, hares, squirrels
  • Molluscipoxvirus: Molluscum contagiosum.

Authors

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Author: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer