Risks associated with vaccinia virus in the laboratory.
Vaccinia virus (VACV) is used commonly in research laboratories. Non-highly attenuated strains of VACV are potentially pathogenic in humans, and VACV vaccination and biosafety level 2 facilities and protocols are currently recommended for vaccinated laboratory workers in the United States who handle non-highly attenuated strains of the virus. Despite this, laboratory-related VACV exposures continue to occur and a number of recent instances of VACV infection in non-vaccinated laboratory workers have been documented. We provide a discussion of the usage and risks associated with VACV in laboratory research.
MacNeil
Adam
A
National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne, and Enteric Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. aho3@cdc.gov
Reynolds
Mary G
MG
Damon
Inger K
IK
D006801:Humans; D007757:Laboratory Infection / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology*; D017056:Medical Laboratory Personnel; D012900:Smallpox Vaccine / Q000276:immunology; D014611:Vaccination; D014615:Vaccinia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology*; D014616:Vaccinia virus / Q000502:physiology*
D012900:Smallpox Vaccine