Genomic identification of human vaccinia virus keratoconjunctivitis and its importance as a laboratory-acquired infection

CONTEXT Vaccinia virus (VACV) is a member of orthopoxvirus genus of the family Poxviridae. VACVs are enveloped, double-stranded DNA viruses. Several species of this family, for example, molluscum contagiosum, smallpox, deerpox, horsepox, rabbitpox, and VACVs may cause conjunctivitis. AIMS Given the high incidence of keratoconjunctivitis in Iran (approximately 3.6%-53.9%) and insufficient clinical diagnostic measures, laboratory tests for detection of its causes and determination of accurate keratoconjunctivitis/conjunctivitis prevalence due to different pathogens are essential. SETTINGS AND DESIGN In this research, conjunctival samples collected from 100 patients with keratoconjunctivitis signs were referred to an eye hospital of Iran. SUBJECTS AND METHODS After DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out for detection of VACV. PCR-positive products were further subjected to DNA sequencing. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED The results were analyzed using Chi-square test. RESULTS In this study, 28% of the samples were positive and a statistically significant relationship obtained between working in medical or research laboratories and VACV prevalence (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study showed a high rate of VACV keratoconjunctivitis, and therefore, further studies for its prevention and control are necessary.