Poxvirus viability and signatures in historical relics.
Although it has been >30 years since the eradication of smallpox, the unearthing of well-preserved tissue material in which the virus may reside has called into question the viability of variola virus decades or centuries after its original occurrence. Experimental data to address the long-term stability and viability of the virus are limited. There are several instances of well-preserved corpses and tissues that have been examined for poxvirus viability and viral DNA. These historical specimens cause concern for potential exposures, and each situation should be approached cautiously and independently with the available information. Nevertheless, these specimens provide information on the history of a major disease and vaccination against it.
Andrea M
AM
McCollum
Yu
Y
Li
Kimberly
K
Wilkins
Kevin L
KL
Karem
Whitni B
WB
Davidson
Christopher D
CD
Paddock
Mary G
MG
Reynolds
Inger K
IK
Damon
D001344:Autopsy; D002102:Cadaver; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D050296:Microbial Viability; D012899:Smallpox / Q000266:history / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology*; D012900:Smallpox Vaccine / Q000276:immunology; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods; D014611:Vaccination; D014616:Vaccinia virus / Q000276:immunology; D012901:Variola virus / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000502:physiology*
D004279:DNA, Viral; D012900:Smallpox Vaccine
artifacts; historical relics; mummies; orthopoxvirus; poxvirus; signatures; smallpox; smallpox virus; vaccinia; variola; viability; viruses