Poxviridae, Mpox (Monkeypox)

are enveloped, double-stranded DNA viruses with complex symmetry

Poxviridae

Unique among DNA viruses:

•Replicate entirely in the cytoplasm

•Encode their own DNA-dependent RNA polymerase

•Among the largest and most complex viruses infecting humans

Poxviridae

A laboratory-derived orthopoxvirus, not a natural variant of variola

Vaccinia Virus

Used as the live virus in the smallpox vaccine

Vaccinia Virus

It confers cross-protective immunity against variola virus.

Vaccinia Virus

Causes smallpox, a serious, highly contagious disease now eradicated

Variola Virus (Smallpox Virus)

Causes molluscum contagiosum, a benign skin infection.

Molluscum Contagiosum Virus

Small, dome-shaped, flesh-colored papules with central umbilication

Molluscum Contagiosum Virus

Shows large eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusion bodies in keratinocytes→ Called Henderson-Patterson bodies

Molluscum Contagiosum Virus

is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Poxviridae family, genus Orthopoxvirus.

Mpox

Mpox Incubation

5–21 days (asymptomatic period)

Mpox in electron microscopy

Reveals brick-shaped virions

Antivirals against mpox

Tecovirimat (TPOXX), cidofovir, brincidofovir (off-label uses)