Smallpox vaccines for biodefense: need and feasibility.
Smallpox, eradicated as a cause of natural disease through an intensive global effort in the later part of the 20th Century, has resurfaced as a possible agent of bioterrorism. For this reason, there is renewed interest in smallpox vaccines. Live vaccinia virus, an orthopoxvirus related to smallpox, has a long and successful clinical track record as an effective smallpox vaccine; however, its use is associated with uncommon yet serious adverse events. This has led to a surge of recent research into newer-generation smallpox vaccines with improved safety profiles and retained efficacy. This article will review the history of smallpox vaccines, assess the status of newer-generation vaccines and examine the overall risk-versus-benefit profile of smallpox vaccination.
Department of Medicine, Brown University, Memorial Hospital of RI, 111 Brewster Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860, USA. artenstein@brown.edu
Andrew W
AW
Artenstein
John D
JD
Grabenstein
D054045:Biological Warfare Agents; D023482:Bioterrorism; D006801:Humans; D012899:Smallpox / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012900:Smallpox Vaccine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology*; D014616:Vaccinia virus / Q000276:immunology*
D054045:Biological Warfare Agents; D012900:Smallpox Vaccine