Smallpox and Monkeypox (Mpox) Lecture Notes

Flashcards summarizing key concepts related to smallpox and mpox for exam preparation.

Smallpox

A severe human disease known for at least 2000 years, caused by the variola virus.

Variola Major

The classic disease of smallpox with a mortality rate of 10% to 30%.

Variola Minor

A less severe form of smallpox with a mortality rate of around 1%.

Transmission

Smallpox spreads via aerosols, direct contact with vesicles, and fomites, with humans as the only natural host.

Pathogenesis

The process by which smallpox virus spreads through the body, beginning in the oropharynx and leading to viremia.

Prodrome phase

A phase lasting 2 to 4 days characterized by fever, headache, malaise, nausea, and vomiting before the appearance of a rash.

Rash appearance

Initial small red spots on the tongue and in the mouth, appearing about 24 hours before the skin rash.

Vesicles

Fluid-filled lesions that develop from papules found on the skin during the smallpox infection.

Vaccinia

The virus used in the smallpox vaccine, different from cowpox and variola viruses.

Zoonosis

Disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans, as seen with the mpox virus.

Mpox virus

A viral zoonosis with clinical symptoms similar to smallpox but less severe.

Clinical disease

The period during infection characterized by fever, rash, and other symptoms associated with smallpox or mpox.

Tecovirimat (Tpoxx)

An FDA-approved antiviral effective against orthopoxviruses, including smallpox and mpox.

Lymphadenopathy

Swelling of the lymph nodes, a distinctive feature of mpox compared to smallpox and chickenpox.

Vaccination effectiveness

Vaccination against smallpox has been shown to be approximately 85% effective in preventing mpox.