Poxvirus Diseases | Pox Viruses

(Ortho: from Greek orthos, “straight”)

The genus Orthopoxvirus contains a number of species that can infect animals and humans. The most well known member of the genus is variola virus, the causative agent of smallpox. Other notable members include vaccinia virus which is used in the current smallpox vaccine; cowpox virus, first introduced by Edward Jenner in the late 18th Century as the material of the first vaccine; and monkeypox virus.

Orthopoxviruses

(Para: from Greek para, “by side of”)

Parapoxviruses can infect a variety of livestock animals including sheep, goats, and cattle. Human infection is normally associated with an occupation involving sheep, goats, and cattle.

Parapoxviruses

Bovine papular stomatitis virus
Orf virus (sore mouth infection)
Pseudocowpox virus
Parapoxvirus of red deer
Squirrel parapoxvirus

Tentative members

Camel contagious ecthyma (Ausdyk) virus
Chamois contagious ecthyma virus
Parapoxvirus of reindeer virus
Sealpox virus

Molluscum: from Latin molluscum, “clam” or “snail”)

Molluscum contagiosum is the only member of the Molluscipoxvirus genus. Molluscum contagiosum only infects humans and is a common infection of children and immunodeficient individuals.

Molluscipoxviruses

Molluscum contagiosum virus

(Yata: from the combination of Yaba and Tanapoxvirus)

Yatapoxviruses infect both humans and primates across equatorial Africa. Species in this genus are named for the location in which they were identified, Yaba (Lagos, Nigeria) and the Tana River Basin (Kenya). The natural host of yatapoxviruses is unknown.

Yatapoxviruses

Tanapox, Yaba-like disease virus
Yaba monkey tumor virus

(Capri: from Latin caper, “goat”)

Capripoxviruses cause infection in cattle, sheep, and goats. Infection can cause high morbidity and outbreaks of Capripoxviruses can have profound economic impact for farmers. The viruses in this genus are listed by the World Organizations for Animal Health (OIE: Office International des Epizooties) as important animal diseases that require notification.

Capripoxviruses

Sheeppox virus
Goatpox virus
Lumpy skin disease virus

(Sui: from the Latin sus, “swine”)

Swinepox virus is the sole member of the Suipoxvirus genus. Swine are the only known host for this virus.

Suipoxviruses

Swinepox

(Lepori: from Latin lupus, “hare”)

Members of the Leporipoxvirus genus infect rabbits, hares, and squirrels. Myxoma virus was used in Australia in the 1950s as a pest control to try and eradicate feral European rabbits. Transmission of leporipoxviruses is primarily through the mosquito although other biting insects such as fleas may also transmit virus.

Leporipoxviruses

Myxoma virus
Shope fibroma virus (Rabbit fibroma)
Squirrel fibroma virus
Hare fibroma virus

(Avi: from Latin avis, “bird”)

Avipoxviruses infect a number of domestic and wild birds and can be identified as causing disease in at least 232 species in 23 orders. Transmission usually occurs by skin abrasions, inhalation, or by biting insects, such as mosquitoes.

Avipoxviruses

Tentative members

Crowpox virus
Peacockpox virus
Penguinpox virus