You are in: eMedicine Specialties > Dermatology > VIRAL INFECTIONS SmallpoxArticle Last Updated: Feb 1, 2007AUTHOR AND EDITOR INFORMATIONAuthor: Julie R Kenner, MD, PhD, Consultant, Clinical Research, Medical Affairs, VaxGen, Inc; Private Practice, Kenner Dermatology Center Julie R Kenner is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology and American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Editors: Michelle Pelle, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego; David F Butler, MD, Professor of Dermatology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Director, Division of Dermatology, Scott and White Clinic; Director Dermatology Residency Training Program, Scott and White Clinic; Jeffrey P Callen, MD, Professor of Medicine, Chief, Division of Dermatology, University of Louisville School of Medicine; Catherine Quirk, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Brown University; William D James, MD, Paul R Gross Professor of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine; Vice-Chair, Program Director, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Health System Author and Editor Disclosure Synonyms and related keywords: variola virus, variola major, variola minor, variola infection, vaccinia, Orthopoxvirus, Poxviridae, poxvirus, hemorrhagic smallpox, flat-type smallpox INTRODUCTIONBackgroundThe history of smallpox is remarkable both because of the spectacular devastation it wreaked upon civilization since the dawn of humankind and for the astounding achievement of modern medicine, which eradicated this plague through the concerted efforts of global vaccination. The earliest evidence of smallpox comes from ancient Egypt circa 1157 BCE, where the mummified remains of a pockmarked Ramses V were uncovered. International traders spread smallpox throughout the Old World during the 4th-15th centuries CE, while European explorers and conquerors brought the disease to the Western Hemisphere in the early 16th century. Smallpox directly and profoundly influenced the course of human history. Its tremendous morbidity and mortality led to indiscriminate killing of kings and warlords and tipped the balance of power with regularity in Europe and elsewhere. Whole civilizations, including the Incas and the Aztecs, were destroyed in a single generation, and efforts to ward off the disease indelibly affected the practice of religion and medicine. Smallpox is the result of infection by the variola virus, which belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus in the family Poxviridae. The variola virus is a large brick-shaped, double-stranded DNA virus that serologically cross-reacts with other members of the poxvirus family, including ectromelia, cowpox, monkeypox, vaccinia, and camelpox. Unlike other DNA viruses, the variola virus multiplies in the cytoplasm of parasitized host cells. Smallpox infects only humans and does not exist in a carrier state. The virus can survive in the environment for a short period, and it is most stable at low temperatures and low humidity. Variola is spread most efficiently by means of inhalation and less efficiently by means of direct contact with scabs or pustular material from skin lesions. The 2 predominant variants of variola, major and minor, differ greatly in their mortality rates (30% vs 1%, respectively). Variola major was the predominant endemic strain throughout the world, and, by the end of the 18th century, it was responsible for approximately 400,000 deaths a year in Europe. In patients who recovered from the disease, blindness was common and disfiguring scars were nearly universal. Intentional inoculation with subvirulent strains of variola to protect against variola major (variolation) began in India sometime before the first millennium CE. This practice spread throughout the Old World and eventually reached Europe in the early 18th century. Although variolation was capable of inducing lifelong immunity in vaccinated individuals, the practice was a risky procedure, and those inoculated had a mortality rate of approximately one tenth that of individuals with naturally occurring disease. Furthermore, treated individuals were capable of transmitting disease to untreated individuals for some time after variolation. In one of the major accomplishments in modern medicine, Edward Jenner demonstrated in 1796 that an individual could be protected against disease. The skin could be inoculated with pustular material containing the cowpox virus, an orthopoxvirus closely related to variola. Although the heterologous immunity induced by vaccination (from the Latin word vacca, meaning cow) was not lifelong, this approach was significantly safer than variolation, and vaccination quickly spread throughout the world. In subsequent decades, the strain of virus used was sustained by means of arm-to-arm inoculation or maintained as dried material on threads. Over time, the virus mysteriously changed from its original cowpox form to the strain of vaccinia used in current vaccines. In the latter half of the 19th century, the practice of growing virus for vaccines on the flank of calves was adopted to lessen the risk of transmitting other human diseases (eg, syphilis) during vaccination. In the late 1940s, large-scale production of freeze-dried vaccine enabled mass vaccination campaigns and, eventually, the global eradication of smallpox. In the latter half of the 1960s, the World Health Assembly intensified its efforts in eradicating the disease by using highly potent and stable vaccine, by rapidly identifying outbreaks, and by performing ring vaccination in all contacts of a person who was infected. The last case of endemic smallpox occurred in Somalia in 1977, and the last recorded case in humans occurred in England in 1978; this case was due to an accidental laboratory infection. In 1980, the World Health Organization officially declared that smallpox had been eradicated. Currently, the only remaining known variola virus isolates are frozen in closely guarded repositories at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States and at the Vektor Institute in Russia. PathophysiologySmallpox is most efficiently spread via the respiratory system, although contact with infected skin or fomites also may transmit the disease. The variola virus multiplies in the reticuloendothelial system, and it is clinically silent for approximately 12 days (range, 7-17 d). Viremia then proceeds to the prodromal phase (range, 2-4 d), which is characterized by the sudden onset of fever, severe headache, pharyngitis, nausea, backache, and malaise. During the later part of the prodromal phase, an enanthem may be appreciated on the palate, the tongue, and the pharynx. The virus then enters the skin; this event marks the beginning of the rash phase of the disease. The skin findings begin on the face and spread centrifugally. Most lesions are in the same stage of development at any given time. Characteristic lesions start as macules and then develop into papules, pustules, and crusts over a period of approximately 17 days. The virus is readily found on the skin, in the oropharynx, and in the reticuloendothelial system throughout the rash phase (a highly infectious period from the appearance of enanthema until day 10 of the rash). Overwhelming toxemia has been the usual cause of death, and typical cases of smallpox had a mortality rate of 30%. The rarer hemorrhagic and flat-type forms of the disease were nearly universally fatal. Both cellular immunity and humoral immunity are elicited in response to variola infection. Neutralizing antibodies can be detected during the first week of clinical illness, whereas hemagglutination-inhibition and complement-fixation antibodies are found in the second to third weeks. Neutralizing antibodies persist for many years or decades after infection, whereas levels of hemagglutination-inhibition and complement-fixation antibodies generally decrease within a year. Cell-mediated immunity likely plays an important role in controlling disease; virus-specific cytotoxic T cells are detectable in lymphoid organs as early as 4 days after infection. These cytotoxic T cells are believed to limit viral spread by causing lysis of infected cells in the reticuloendothelial system and the skin. The relative importance of the cellular immune response against smallpox has been demonstrated in animals. Studies show that mice with defective T cells are able to generate normal humoral responses to a viral challenge, yet they die when exposed to orthopoxvirus concentrations that are sublethal in healthy mice. Studies in rodents and sheep have demonstrated memory in the form of virus-specific, cytotoxic lymphocyte immune responses that occur long after the initial variola infection. Currently, nearly half the US population has not been vaccinated and has no immunity to vaccinia or variola. The remainder of the population was vaccinated 30 or more years ago and may retain partial protection from the disease. FrequencyInternationalSince 1978, no cases of smallpox have been reported in the world. Mortality/MorbidityMorbidity was commonly associated with smallpox (see Complications).
RaceNo racial predilection is known. SexPregnant women were at risk for severe disease. AgeYoung or old individuals were more susceptible to severe disease. CLINICALHistoryFor additional information, see Evaluating Patients for Smallpox.
Physical
CausesSmallpox is caused by infection with the variola virus. DIFFERENTIALSDrug Eruptions Enteroviral Infections Erythema Multiforme Herpes Simplex Impetigo Insect Bites Kawasaki Disease Measles, Rubeola Meningococcemia Molluscum Contagiosum Monkeypox Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Rubella Scarlet Fever Syphilis
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| Drug Name | Vaccinia virus vaccine (Dryvax) |
|---|---|
| Description | Delivered by scarification method, which involves dipping a bifurcated needle into vaccine and poking the needle tip into skin 15 times. Successful vaccination marked by typical vaccinia (jennerian or major) reaction, which consists of a visible papule by day 3 that becomes vesicular by day 5-6 and pustular by day 7-10. Pustule resolves with scab separation by day 21. Maximal erythema and induration associated with vaccination usually occur at days 8-12. Regional lymphadenopathy, mild fever, and malaise often accompany redness and swelling. An accelerated reaction can be seen in a partially immune recipient, and it is identifiable with a reaction similar to the primary jennerian reaction in character and staging, but its pace is accelerated. Pustule formation occurs at days 4-7, and scab separation occurs at approximately day 14. The balance between vaccine potency and individual residual immunity to vaccinia determines pace of reaction. Successful vaccination provides approximately 95% immunity, which likely lasts for at least 10 y. Revaccination likely induces longer immunity. Individuals with known exposure to smallpox should be vaccinated within 3-4 d to protect against illness. |
| Adult Dose | Dropperful of reconstituted lyophilized vaccine (about 10^8 PFU/mL) is held in prongs of bifurcated needle and delivered intraepidermally in deltoid region of arm; trace of blood indicates vaccine was delivered to appropriate level (effectiveness of vaccination is reduced if vaccine given by any route other than intraepidermal route.) |
| Pediatric Dose | Administer as in adults |
| Contraindications | None with bona fide exposure to smallpox; relative contraindications include immunodeficiency states (eg, HIV, generalized malignancies, significant systemic corticosteroid use); life-threatening allergies to polymyxin B, streptomycin, tetracycline, or neomycin; pregnancy; acute or chronic skin conditions (eg, atopic dermatitis [AD], exfoliative and eroding skin disorders, impetigo, varicella, burns); history of AD (Risk of adverse reaction is higher in acute disease. Patients with past history of AD but no active lesions are also at increased risk for adverse reactions.); persons who have a household contact with chronic skin disorder, particularly those with history of AD; pregnancy; history of cardiac disease or 3 or more cardiac risk factors |
| Interactions | None reported |
| Pregnancy | B - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh the risks. |
| Precautions | Complications most common in primary vaccination with Dryvax include autoinoculation (1 per 2000, not fatal), generalized vaccinia (1 per 4000, not usually fatal), erythema multiforme (1 per 6000, not usually fatal), eczema vaccinatum (1 per 26,000, 5% mortality rate), postvaccination encephalitis (1 per 80,000, 20% mortality rate), and progressive vaccinia (1 per 670,000, 40% mortality rate); nationally, in 1968, 1 death occurred in 1 million people receiving primary vaccinations Recent vaccine studies identified adverse reactions to Dryvax not fully appreciated during global eradication period, including myopericarditis, which may occur at rates as high as 1 in 145 primary vaccinees (black box warning regarding this potential adverse reaction added to Dryvax package insert); more newly described adverse reactions include transient back pain, joint pain, abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing |
| Drug Name | Cidofovir (Vistide) |
|---|---|
| Description | Nucleoside DNA polymerase inhibitor analog. Animal studies indicate that if given within first 2 d of exposure to smallpox, may attenuate or prevent disease. |
| Adult Dose | 5 mg/kg IV over 1 h |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; coadministration with other nephrotoxic agents; serum creatinine level >1.5 mg/dL; CrCl rate <55 mL/min; urine protein level >100 mg/dL |
| Interactions | Coadministration of aminoglycosides, amphotericin B, IV pentamidine, and foscarnet may increase nephrotoxicity |
| Pregnancy | C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. |
| Precautions | Monitor neutrophil counts; renal toxicity is major adverse effect; prehydrate with IV normal saline and coadminister probenecid with each infusion to minimize nephrotoxicity (monitor renal function); monitor serum creatinine and urine protein levels 48 h prior to treatment (adjust dose accordingly); granulocytopenia may occur; additional adverse effects include neutropenia, fever, anemia, headache, hair loss, iritis, uveitis, and abdominal pain |
Indicated for passive immunity. Vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) is the only drug available for amelioration of some vaccinia-related complications. VIG is produced from pooled human sera taken from vaccinia-immunized individuals and is available only from the CDC. VIG has been effective when administered early in cases of vaccinia necrosum and eczema vaccinatum. VIG has not been effective in cases of encephalopathy. The use of VIG for generalized vaccinia reactions usually is not necessary. The FDA recently approved intravenous VIG (VIGIV).
| Drug Name | Vaccinia immune globulin intravenous, human (VIGIV) |
|---|---|
| Description | Derived from human plasma and manufactured from pooled plasma donors who received booster immunizations with smallpox vaccine (Dryvax). Contains increased antibody levels against vaccinia virus. Indicated to treat rare adverse reactions and aberrant infections caused by vaccinia virus, including aberrant infections (eg, accidental implantation in eyes, mouth, other potentially hazardous areas), eczema vaccinatum, progressive vaccinia, severe generalized vaccinia, and vaccinia infections in immunocompromised individuals. |
| Adult Dose | 100 mg/kg (2 mL/kg) IV infusion; may repeat depending on severity of symptoms and response to initial dose; may consider higher dose (200-500 mg/kg) if response to initial dose is inadequate (see Precautions) Infusion rate: 1 mL/kg/h for first 30 min, then 2 mL/kg/h for next 30 min, then 3 mL/kg/h for remaining infusion |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity to this or other human IVIGs; vaccinia keratitis; selective IgA deficiency |
| Interactions | Antibodies present in immune globulin preparations may interfere with immune response to live virus vaccines (eg, polio, MMR); defer vaccination with live virus vaccines for 6 mo following VIGIV administration; may alter immune response of vaccines administered shortly before VIGIV |
| Pregnancy | C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. |
| Precautions | Caution in renal failure; general precautions for all IVIGs include aseptic meningitis, hemolysis (due to blood group antibodies), transfusion-related lung injury (pulmonary edema), and infections (eg, CJD); acute renal failure, osmotic nephrosis, proximal tubular nephropathy, and death may occur due to high sucrose levels (typically associated with doses >400 mg/kg/dose); call manufacturer to identify appropriate lot with low IgA level if administering to individual with selective IgA deficiency |
| Media file 1: Characteristic skin lesion of variola on the arms and the legs of an adolescent. Photo used with permission from the World Health Organization. | |
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| Media file 2: Child with pustular lesions of variola. Photo used with permission from the World Health Organization. | |
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| Media file 3: Infant with advanced lesions of variola. Photo used with permission from the World Health Organization. | |
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| Media file 4: Unvaccinated infant with centrifugally distributed umbilicated pustules on day 3 after exposure to the ordinary form of the variola major strain of smallpox (same patient as in Images 5-6). Reprinted with permission from Smallpox and Its Eradication. Copyright 1988, World Health Organization. | |
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| Media file 5: Unvaccinated infant with centrifugally distributed umbilicated pustules on day 5 after exposure to the ordinary form of the variola major strain of smallpox (same patient as in Images 4 and 6). Reprinted with permission from Smallpox and Its Eradication. Copyright 1988, World Health Organization. | |
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| Media file 6: Unvaccinated infant with centrifugally distributed umbilicated pustules on day 7 after exposure to the ordinary form of the variola major strain of smallpox (same patient as in Images 4-5). Reprinted with permission from Smallpox and Its Eradication. Copyright 1988, World Health Organization. | |
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| Media file 7: Ordinary form of variola minor strain of smallpox (alastrim) in an unvaccinated woman 12 days after onset of the skin lesions. The facial lesions are sparse, and they evolved more rapidly than did the lesions on her extremities. Reprinted with permission from Smallpox and Its Eradication. Copyright 1988, World Health Organization. | |
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| Media file 8: Ordinary form of variola minor strain of smallpox (alastrim) in an unvaccinated woman 12 days after onset of the skin lesions (same woman as in Images 7 and 9). Note the lesions on her arm. Reprinted with permission from Smallpox and Its Eradication. Copyright 1988, World Health Organization. | |
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| Media file 9: Ordinary form of variola minor strain of smallpox (alastrim) in an unvaccinated woman 12 days after onset of skin lesions (same woman as in Images 7-8). Note the lesions on her feet and legs. Reprinted with permission from Smallpox and Its Eradication. Copyright 1988, World Health Organization. | |
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| Media file 10: Adult with variola major infection. Hundreds of pustular lesions are centrifugally distributed. Courtesy of the Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center slide file. | |
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| Media file 11: Hemorrhagic-type variola major lesions. Death usually ensues before typical pustules develop. Reprinted with permission from Smallpox and Its Eradication. Copyright 1988, World Health Organization. | |
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| Media file 12: Bioterrorist Agents. Signs and symptoms. Chart courtesy of North Carolina Statewide Program for Infection Control and Epidemiology (SPICE), copyright University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, www.unc.edu/depts/spice/bioterrorism.html. | |
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Article Last Updated: Feb 1, 2007