Articles tagged with Smallpox
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.
A genetic mutation that disables a protein used by HIV-1 to infect cells is prevalent in 10% of Europeans due to historical smallpox exposure. This mutation, which protects against death from smallpox, has been transferred to AIDS, slowing its progression.
A recent study has found a link between smallpox vaccination and rare heart diseases, including pericarditis and myocarditis. Twenty-four cases of these conditions were identified among 37,876 US civilian healthcare workers who received the vaccine as part of a bioterrorism readiness program.
Researchers found that individuals vaccinated against smallpox maintained anti-smallpox antibodies for at least 60 years after vaccination. Memory B cells initially declined but then plateaued approximately ten times lower than their peak and remained stable for over 50 years.
Researchers have developed a modified smallpox vaccine that is expected to be identical in effectiveness to the current vaccine but treatable for rare complications. The new vaccine will use genes to make the virus susceptible to common drugs, allowing doctors to effectively treat severe reactions.
Researchers at Dana-Farber and other Harvard-affiliated hospitals will study the human immune system's response to the vaccinia virus and other related viruses. The goal is to develop effective alternatives with fewer risks, addressing concerns about the current vaccine's complications in people with weakened immune systems.
Researchers discovered that repeated vaccinations provide short-term immunity boosts but do not sustain higher protection levels. Long-term antibody immunity can last throughout a person's lifetime, while T-cell immunity declines slowly over time.
Scientists at NIAID and USAMRIID developed a prime-boost vaccine strategy that protects monkeys from Ebola infection. The boost alone shows promise in offering quick but weaker immune response.
Researchers found that adults who received smallpox vaccinations as children showed fewer adverse reactions to diluted vaccine doses compared to those who never received the vaccine. The study's results have implications for potential future biological attacks and suggest that vaccine stocks may be more sustainable.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that a generalized rash on some smallpox vaccine recipients was not due to the virus, but rather a benign reaction called folliculitis. The study aimed to clarify this previously unwell-documented phenomenon and reassure physicians about accurate diagnosis.
Researchers found that smallpox vaccine-induced antibody immunity can last a person's entire life, while T-cell immunity declines slowly over time. The study also showed that repeated vaccinations have little impact on immunity levels.
Virus researchers discovered a critical role of Z-DNA in pox virus lethality, leading to potential development of anti-viral compounds effective against smallpox. The findings may also shed light on the regulation of transcription and cellular responses to viral infections.
A recent study found that people with atopic dermatitis or eczema, and their household contacts, are at increased risk of complications from smallpox vaccination. The study suggests that the screening process may not be effective in identifying individuals who should not receive the vaccine.
A study found that 10 days of doxycycline antibiotic therapy is as effective as a 20-day course for early Lyme disease. Additionally, researchers discovered that many people cannot accurately recall if they or family members had skin diseases contraindicating smallpox vaccination, potentially increasing the risk of widespread vaccination.
The researchers propose a four-pronged approach to avoid a catastrophe: decisive action by authorities, immediate antibiotic distribution, clear messaging about the need for full treatment courses, and surge capacity for medical professionals. This could reduce the death toll from an anthrax attack from 123,000 to 1,000.
Researchers found that administering interferon alpha and gamma intranasally provided nearly full protection (over 95%) against a lethal vaccinia virus infection in mice. This suggests potential implications for using interferons as a prophylactic tool in aerosol orthopoxvirus infections.
Researchers at University of California - San Diego develop new compound cidofovir analogs to treat poxvirus infections, showing effectiveness in preventing death and maintaining efficacy when given prior or after infection. The study found two compounds, HDP-CDV and ODE-CDV, to be most effective against lethal cowpox infection.
Smallpox experts suggest limiting vaccinations to first responders to prevent complications and ensure public safety. The authors cite studies from the 1960s documenting vaccine-related complications, including spread to close contacts and increased risk of morbidity and mortality.
Researchers suggest that vaccinating 'first responders' and allowing people to be vaccinated if they choose could increase the effectiveness of vaccination efforts. Targeted vaccination was found to prevent more cases per dose of vaccine, especially when delayed until multiple cases had been detected.
A new model developed by Emory University researchers suggests that targeted smallpox vaccinations could be an effective intervention against deliberate attacks. The study found that rapid response and targeted vaccination strategies can significantly reduce the spread of smallpox, particularly when pre-existing immunity is considered.
A new detection method uses gold nanoparticles and DNA probes to quickly identify multiple diseases, surpassing conventional methods in sensitivity, selectivity, and speed. This technique has the potential to be inexpensive and widely available.
Researchers found that CD8 T cell responses from laboratory workers vaccinated decades ago remained robust and long-lasting. The findings suggest a need for reevaluation of the durability of smallpox vaccine-induced immunity.
Mayo Clinic researchers have discovered a way to use autoclave sterilization procedures in laboratory settings to detect and confirm the identity of smallpox virus and other bioterrorism agents. This innovation enables local laboratories to conduct rapid tests, reducing the time needed to respond to potential attacks.
Scientists create protein SPICE to study variola's role in immune system, with potential to reduce side effects from vaccination. By understanding the virus's pathogenesis, researchers hope to develop new therapies and prevent bioterrorism.
Researchers found that immunizing 50-75% of Americans aged 1-30 could save hundreds of lives compared to ring vaccination alone. The study suggests mass vaccination campaigns targeting young people may be cost-effective in preventing deaths from a potential smallpox attack.
Historical evidence suggests that smallpox vaccination poses significant risks to certain populations, including children under one year old and those with compromised immune systems. Researchers estimate that 25% of the US population would need to be excluded from a vaccination campaign due to high-risk factors.
A new NIAID study found that diluting smallpox vaccine can expand the US vaccine supply fivefold, providing more protection against a potential outbreak. The trial used a freeze-dried live vaccinia virus vaccine and resulted in high take rates with minimal side effects.
Researchers have developed a potent antiviral drug, HDP-CDV, that can block the replication of variola and orthopox viruses, including smallpox. The oral drug is 100 times more active than existing cidofovir and may be used to treat and prevent smallpox infections.
Researchers at UMass are working on sensors that can identify bioterror agents more accurately by connecting small 'keys' to large molecules. The team is using nanoparticles and gold structures to solve the complex problem of detecting larger molecules, which have a difficult time fitting into traditional chemical sensors.
A new study is testing a diluted form of the traditional smallpox vaccine, aiming to increase available doses. Participants will receive either the full or reduced dose and be monitored for signs of successful vaccination.
Researchers develop new therapies targeting related virus proteins, aiming to neutralize the effects of smallpox. The US population is highly susceptible due to low vaccination rates and limited vaccine stockpiles.