6. Poxviral Infectious Diseases Flashcards
Describe poxviral infectious diseases
- A virus belonging to family Poxviridae.
- Largest and most complex viruses
- DNA virus and highly resistant, but the virus replicates inside of cytoplasm and not nucleus (although DNA virus)
- Have a big economic impact
The poxvirus is responsible for many diseases as
- Cowpox - Cowpox virus. Affecting rodent, cow, cats, human —> zoonotic!
- Bovine popular stomatitis - Parapovirus
- Lumpy skin disease “Capripox”. Affect cattle, and same thing as cowpox just that it’s only affecting cattle. –> OIE!
- Contagious ecthyma of sheep and goat - Parapox virus
- Goat and sheep pox - Capripox virus
- Myxomatosis of rabbit - Leporipox virus
What is a big difference between Cowpox and Capripox (Lumpy skin disease)
Many of the pox viruses are zoonotic as Cowpox, whereas Capripox is NOT zoonotic, but OIE.
What does pox virus cause?
Pox = pus filled pimples. Typical fever accompanied by specific lesions on the skin and mucous membranes
What’s important to mention about Cowpox virus?
It’s contagious and zoonotic
The cowpox virus was first discovered in cattle, explain why the name isn’t really accurate anymore
It is actually a virus of rodents (usually wild ones). Cats are often associated with and eat rodents, by this way it can then further spread to human and cattle
What is the susceptible host for cowpox?
Rodents!
May affect others as cat, cattle, human as well.
What is the agent for responsible for causing cowpox?
Cowpox virus
How is Cowpox transmitted?
Horizontal.
- A direct or indirect contact with infected animal
What are clinical signs of Cowpox?
- Non-specific ones like –> fever, inappetent, loss of weight.
- Skin rash which can develop to a macule –> papule –> vesicle –> pustule
How is Cowpox diagnosed?
Virus isolation - culturing of virus
Serological tests - PCR, testing for Ab against cowpox
What is the treatment for Cowpox?
No treatment, only supportive care
How can Cowpox be prevented from spreading?
No vaccine against Cowpox.
- Quarantine and control of movement of animals
- Rodent control
