Laboratory acquired infection with recombinant vaccinia virus containing an immunomodulating construct.
Handling of Vaccinia virus represents a risk for laboratory-acquired infections, especially in individuals without completed vaccination. We report the case of a Vaccinia infection in a previously vaccinated researcher working with various genetically modified strains. We could confirm the infection by electron microscopy, positive cell culture, virus-specific PCR, sequence analysis, and viral neutralization test. The isolated virus carried a functionally inactivated cytohesin-1 gene of human origin, which had been shown to impair leukocyte adhesion by interacting with the LFA/ICAM-1 axis. The immunomodulating nature of the inserted construct might thus have added to the infectivity of the virus. We emphasize on the necessity of Vaccinia vaccination in laboratory staff working in the field.
Mempel
Martin
M
Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Biederstein, Technical University Munich, Germany.
Isa
Gisela
G
Klugbauer
Norbert
N
Meyer
Hermann
H
Wildi
Gregor
G
Ring
Johannes
J
Hofmann
Franz
F
Hofmann
Heidelore
H
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000235:genetics*; D000328:Adult; D001483:Base Sequence / Q000235:genetics; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000235:genetics; D020868:Gene Silencing; D020662:Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors; D006801:Humans; D007757:Laboratory Infection; D008297:Male; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D030781:Organisms, Genetically Modified / Q000235:genetics*; D011995:Recombination, Genetic; D014611:Vaccination; D014615:Vaccinia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000821:virology*; D014616:Vaccinia virus / Q000235:genetics*; D014765:Viral Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D020662:Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors; D014765:Viral Vaccines; C100723:cytohesin-1