Articles tagged with Smallpox
A study found that a tissue-cultured smallpox vaccine elicited high levels of seroconversion and an effective booster response in adults, with no severe adverse events reported. The vaccine's safety and immunogenicity were demonstrated in both previously vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
Researchers at Oklahoma State University have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how poxviruses evade the human immune system. By unlocking the structure of a key protein, they may be able to design medications to stop the viruses from blocking immune signals.
A recent poll in Edinburgh revealed that 87% of respondents were unaware of smallpox's extinction, a disease that killed 300-500 million victims in the 20th century. However, many people showed knowledge of microbes' role in medicine, volcanoes, and other areas.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have developed an oil-based nanoemulsion vaccine that produces strong immunity against smallpox and HIV in animal studies. The vaccine uses a mixture of soybean oil, alcohol, water, and detergents emulsified into ultra-small particles to trigger the body's immune response.
Scientists at UAB and Saint Louis University use X-ray crystallography to understand poxvirus infectious potency and how one protein evades the immune system, paving the way for new drug discoveries to combat inflammatory diseases like atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Scientists at SLU and UAB have made a breakthrough in understanding how poxviruses replicate and wreak havoc on the immune system. Their findings could lead to the development of new drugs for inflammatory and immunological disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers at University of California, Irvine have identified a modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) as a potential alternative to the existing smallpox vaccine. MVA produced similar antiviral responses in human and animal studies, suggesting its safety and effectiveness. The study marks a significant advancement in developing a safe...
Researchers found that cowpox and monkeypox viruses can prevent the immune system from detecting infected cells, a strategy that could aid in vaccine design. The discovery may help create more effective vaccines against poxviruses and other viruses.
A new study using a molecular clock indicates that smallpox evolved earlier than previously believed, with divergence times ranging from 16,000 to 68,000 years ago. The research provides a framework for studying the natural history of other diseases and suggests that local pools of old strains existed in geographically dispersed areas.
Researchers identified common DNA variations that underlie susceptibility to fever after smallpox vaccination. Eight genetic alterations increased the likelihood of fever, while a few reduced it. The study raises the possibility that these genetic variations may also influence fever risk after other live-virus vaccines.
A new study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases has identified eight gene clusters associated with altered susceptibility to fever after smallpox vaccination. These genetic variations are linked to the interleukin-1 (IL-1) gene complex and the interleukin-18 gene on chromosome 11.
A nationwide research study is being conducted at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine to determine the safety and effectiveness of a new smallpox vaccine. The vaccine, IMVAMUNE, contains a weakened form of the live-virus, which may minimize side effects for all individuals, including those with compromised immune systems.
A recent study suggests that President Abraham Lincoln was suffering from a life-threatening form of smallpox when he delivered his Gettysburg Address. Researchers compared clinical features of Lincoln's illness to those of smallpox and found a close match, suggesting he had contracted variola major, the more severe form of the disease.
A national study led by Saint Louis University School of Medicine is investigating the effectiveness of a new investigational vaccine made by Bavarian Nordic in stimulating an immune response against smallpox. The study aims to determine how quickly people can be protected after a release of smallpox into the environment.
A federal plan to vaccinate healthcare workers against smallpox had a low compliance rate and high variability among states. Researchers found that some states ranked poorly due to lack of support and ambivalent messages from authorities.
A recent study suggests that prompt surveillance and containment of victims would be sufficient to thwart an epidemic in the event of a large bioterrorist US smallpox attack. Researchers found that mass pre-vaccination of the general population may not be necessary, as the benefits of vaccination are outweighed by potential side effects.
The study reveals the three-dimensional structure of the smallpox virus topoisomerase-DNA complex, providing crucial insights into how the viral enzyme recognizes and activates specific DNA sequences. This knowledge will facilitate the design of targeted agents to combat poxvirus infections and prevent smallpox replication.
Researchers found that atopic dermatitis patients have lower levels of disease-fighting antimicrobial peptides, making them more susceptible to eczema vaccinatum. A potential therapy involving LL-37 and IL-13 neutralization could offer protection against this life-threatening side effect.
A seminar review by Emory University School of Medicine experts highlights the importance of physicians' ability to recognize smallpox. The disease's clinical features must be distinguished from other illnesses, such as chickenpox, to prevent misdiagnosis and effective response.
Researchers have developed hybrid antibodies from chimpanzees and humans that effectively inhibited the spread of vaccinia and variola viruses in test tube experiments. In mice infected with vaccinia virus, the hybrid antibodies proved more effective than anti-vaccinia immune globulin when given two days after virus exposure.
A study of 37,901 civilians who received smallpox vaccine between 2003 and 2004 found 822 reports of adverse events, with 100 serious cases reported. No preventable life-threatening adverse reactions were identified, highlighting the effectiveness of vaccination screening and education.
A study found that physicians' ability to diagnose and treat bioterrorism-related diseases improved significantly after completing an online course. The online training showed a marked increase in correct diagnosis rates, with smallpox diagnosed correctly by 79% of doctors after the course.
A study found that an online educational program for physicians significantly improved their knowledge of diagnosing and treating patients infected with bioterrorism agents. The program showed a substantial increase in correct diagnoses and management skills, with attending physicians performing better than residents.
Researchers have identified a protein in the smallpox virus that elicits a strong human antibody response, providing potential protection against the lethal virus. The discovery could lead to the development of an effective treatment for smallpox, offering immediate protection to individuals at risk.
A new study at VGTI developed more accurate testing methods for monkeypox, which could be useful in a future outbreak. The researchers found that their test could detect the virus years after infection and even identify vaccinated individuals who were not showing symptoms.
A new study published in Virology suggests that some strains of monkeypox are more virulent than others, depending on their origin in Africa. The 2003 US outbreak was caused by a West African virus, which may have been less deadly due to its strain.
Researchers found that Gleevec, a cancer drug, slowed the spread of poxviruses in mice. The study suggests that Gleevec might be useful as a preventative against adverse effects of smallpox vaccine.
Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered a gene that allows pox viruses to camouflage themselves from the immune system. A new post-exposure vaccine aims to eliminate this gene, making the virus more visible to the immune system and improving disease resistance.
The study found that LC16m8, an attenuated smallpox vaccine, had a 100% take rate and was well-tolerated with no cardiac toxicity detected. This breakthrough offers hope for introducing a safer and more effective smallpox vaccine to the US market.
Researchers discovered a new way to stop smallpox by inhibiting host cell signaling pathways. Inhibitors already used in human cancer therapy may have widespread applications in treating viral infections and protecting against smallpox.
Researchers have identified a possible strategy for treating acute viral infections by blocking cellular signaling pathways that viruses depend on for reproduction. The approach, using an experimental cancer drug called CI-1033, has shown promising results in laboratory samples and lab mice infected with viruses similar to smallpox.
Researchers have discovered a novel way to block the smallpox virus by targeting a cellular signaling pathway. The approach, which uses an experimental drug called CI-1033, significantly impaired the production of new virus particles and spread of the virus in infected cells.
Researchers at UCI create a new method to rapidly discover antigens for vaccines, enabling the expression of hundreds of proteins in just one week. This technique addresses the bottleneck in processing large amounts of data from genome sequences, allowing for faster vaccine development and improved safety.
At the University of Rochester Medical Center, a team of nurses led by Diane O'Brien and John Treanor developed a system to inoculate over 200 volunteers with an experimental flu vaccine. The study aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing another flu vaccine shortage.
Experts say doctors need extensive training to prepare for bioterrorism threats, which can involve an incubation period of days or weeks. Doctors will be expected to recognize rare conditions and take appropriate action, balancing suspicion with hysteria.
A new study on smallpox in monkeys reveals how the virus subverts host defenses, providing targets for developing countermeasures to lessen or block disease. This knowledge can speed up development of protective measures against bioterror attacks.
Mayo Clinic has been awarded a major NIH contract to conduct genomic research on smallpox vaccination, utilizing its advanced genomics technology center and biostatisticians. The study aims to identify gene polymorphisms affecting susceptibility to infection and response to vaccination.
A research team led by Peter B. Jahrling has successfully developed a nonhuman primate model of smallpox infection in monkeys. The study demonstrates that variola virus can produce lethal disease in monkeys, providing valuable insight into the pathogenesis of smallpox.
Researchers found that a frozen preparation of smallpox vaccine remained effective even at 10-fold diluted doses. The study involved 340 healthy volunteers and showed a high vaccination success rate, suggesting the vaccine can be safely expanded for use in emergency situations or during public health crises.
Researchers will investigate the link between atopic dermatitis and severe skin reaction EV in a nationwide research network. The study aims to better understand how atopic dermatitis predisposes individuals to EV after smallpox vaccination.
The report recommends the development of antiviral drugs against smallpox due to its high lethality and ease of transmission. Research on poxvirus mechanisms and animal models is crucial to understand how the virus kills and develop effective treatments without using antiviral drugs.
Researchers have identified proteins that determine which mice succumb to mousepox and which do not. Strains resistant to infection produce type-1 cytokines, while susceptible ones produce type-2 cytokine IL-4. The discovery could enable better protection for humans against smallpox.
Researchers at Saint Louis University have demonstrated that the smallpox vaccine candidate LC16m8 protects mice from a virus related to smallpox when delivered via aerosol. The study aims to develop a safer smallpox vaccine for bioterrorism threats.
The NIH has awarded $20.7 million to create a safer smallpox vaccine for individuals with atopic dermatitis, a condition that makes them susceptible to serious reactions. Researchers will conduct both laboratory and clinical studies to understand the disease and develop protocols to safely vaccinate these patients.
The ADVN aims to understand immune responses in AD patients after natural exposure to skin viruses and investigate their reactions to the smallpox vaccine. The network will inform safer vaccine design, improving protection against the smallpox virus without life-threatening complications.
The Department of Defense Smallpox Vaccination Program reported over 50 cases of myopericarditis, a heart muscle inflammation, following vaccination. Most soldiers experiencing complications have recovered well with therapy, but researchers stress the need for further study to better understand potential cardiac risks.
Researchers at Saint Louis University are testing a new, attenuated vaccine against smallpox, which could be administered to individuals with compromised immune systems. The study aims to explore the safety and efficacy of this investigational drug in a broader population.
Researchers found that simple public health measures can contain highly transmissible diseases like SARS and smallpox. In contrast, moderately transmissible viruses like HIV and pandemic influenza require more complex control measures due to early symptom onset.
Researchers developed a DNA vaccine that protected nonhuman primates from both smallpox and monkeypox, offering a safer alternative to existing live virus vaccines. The vaccine used four genes from vaccinia virus and was shown to elicit a robust immune response in primates.
A study found that HIV-positive US military personnel who received a smallpox vaccine between 2002-2003 showed no negative effects. The researchers suggest exempting HIV-infected individuals from vaccination during outbreaks, but consider weakened vaccines for immunocompromised people in the future.
Researchers have discovered a gene that inhibits NF-kB, a cellular transcription factor involved in anti-viral immune responses and inflammation. The study found that this gene, K1L, prevents degradation of the cellular inhibitor of NF-kB, ultimately halting viral replication.
A recent study examined 350 adult volunteers and found that 3.6% developed harmless skin rashes after vaccination. The rashes cleared up on their own within one to three weeks without serious symptoms.
Researchers found that a new MVA vaccine was effective in protecting monkeys from both smallpox and monkeypox. The vaccine elicited similar immune responses as the current Dryvax vaccine, with all immunized animals surviving a lethal monkeypox infection and showing no clinical signs of disease.
A team of scientists has successfully tested a new smallpox vaccine that shows promise as an alternative to the existing Dryvax vaccine. The MVA vaccine was found to elicit equivalent or higher immune responses in nonhuman primates, providing protection against monkeypox.
Research by Ann Bostrom reveals that people's willingness to accept vaccine risks depends on what they do and don't know. Personal experiences with adverse reactions also impact risk perception. The study highlights the need for both technical analysis and deliberation in decision-making processes.
Researchers found that even delayed responses to smallpox cases could still contain the outbreak through targeted vaccination and isolation. Surveillance and containment were more effective than mass vaccination in controlling the spread of smallpox.
Researchers found that a peptide called LL-37 selectively kills the vaccinia virus in the smallpox vaccine, which could enable thousands of civilians or military personnel with atopic dermatitis to receive the vaccine. This breakthrough may lead to safer testing and better predict and control reactions to the vaccine.
Researchers at USAMRIID successfully detected variola virus in a 50-year-old tissue sample using integrated diagnostic methods. The study demonstrates the capabilities of modern molecular diagnostics in identifying biological agents, which is crucial for national defense and infectious disease research.
A new study has shown that vaccinia transfer after smallpox immunization is extremely low if proper precautions are taken. The risk of transmission can be greatly reduced by keeping the vaccine site bandaged and practicing thorough hand-washing.
A review article by Daniel B. Di Giulio and Paul B. Eckburg reports the first confirmed cases of monkeypox in the US, likely introduced through the pet trade and rodent importation. The disease has been mild in the US, with no fatalities, but poses a risk of endemicity in US rodent populations.