An Overview of Monkeypox Virus and Other Medically Important Poxviruses

Since the earliest times of history, smallpox left deep traces in memory humanity with great epidemics and destruction (deaths) it caused. Variola virus, which is causative agent smallpox, some other viruses same family have been a part many extraordinary changes field science medicine. Poxviruses privileged position scientific world due to fact that first examples immunization (variolation) ancient civilizations, safe vaccines developed for use humans (cowpox vaccinia virus), infection model viral pathogenesis (ectromelia human eradicated globally (smallpox). Smallpox virus (variola major) classified as biological warfare (category A), causing high-mortality infections epidemics, remains worldwide concern. These are also unique their various features. Poxviruses, one largest associated infections, widely used convenient vaccine development vector-based treatment studies, large number protein coding, ability replicate primarily cell cytoplasm (unlike DNA viruses), advantageous More than 10 species poxviruses cause humans, except few only isolated from these generally zoonotic infections. Monkeypox (MPXV), species, was regarded far being threat past possible cross-immunity caused by vaccine. However, local monkeypox cases reported Central West Africa early 1970s were replaced small-scale outbreaks United States Sudan 2000s, following periods, this considered be most important Poxviridae after eradication increasing case reports African countries, especially Democratic Republic Congo Nigeria. In addition epidemiological increase risk contact animal reservoirs, growing proportion unvaccinated population new unexpected transmission pattern indicate may continue intensify. recent days, while countries health authorities re-evaluating existing potential risks related started take measures against possibility epidemic biosecurity risks. The main purpose article consider general characteristics poxvirus strains, examine host distribution, provide an overview attributed strains