Eczema vaccinatum resulting from the transmission of vaccinia virus from a smallpox vaccinee: an investigation of potential fomites in the home environment.
On March 3, 2007, a 2-year-old boy was hospitalized with eczema vaccinatum. His two siblings, one with eczema, were subsequently removed from the home. Swabs of household items obtained on March 13th were analyzed for orthopoxvirus DNA signatures with real-time PCR. Virus culture was attempted on positive specimens. Eight of 25 household samples were positive by PCR for orthopoxvirus; of these, three yielded viable vaccinia virus in culture. Both siblings were found to have serologic evidence of orthopoxvirus exposure. These findings have implications for smallpox preparedness, especially in situations where some household members are not candidates for vaccination.
Lederman
Edith
E
Poxvirus and Rabies Branch, Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA. edith.lederman@med.navy.mil
Miramontes
Roque
R
Openshaw
John
J
Olson
Victoria A
VA
Karem
Kevin L
KL
Marcinak
John
J
Panares
Rodrigo
R
Staggs
Wayne
W
Allen
Donna
D
Weber
Stephen G
SG
Vora
Surabhi
S
Gerber
Susan I
SI
Hughes
Christine M
CM
Regnery
Russell
R
Collins
Limone
L
Diaz
Pamela S
PS
Reynolds
Mary G
MG
Damon
Inger
I
D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D050456:Fomites / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D007617:Kaposi Varicelliform Eruption / Q000635:transmission*; D008297:Male; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D012900:Smallpox Vaccine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014616:Vaccinia virus / Q000302:isolation & purification*
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D004279:DNA, Viral; D012900:Smallpox Vaccine