title: Genomic identification of human vaccinia virus keratoconjunctivitis and its importance as a laboratory-acquired infection.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Vaccinia virus (VACV) is a member of orthopoxvirus genus of the family Poxviridae. VACVs are enveloped, double-stranded DNA viruses. Several species of this family, for example, molluscum contagiosum, smallpox, deerpox, horsepox, rabbitpox, and VACVs may cause conjunctivitis.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Given the high incidence of keratoconjunctivitis in Iran (approximately 3.6%-53.9%) and insufficient clinical diagnostic measures, laboratory tests for detection of its causes and determination of accurate keratoconjunctivitis/conjunctivitis prevalence due to different pathogens are essential.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this research, conjunctival samples collected from 100 patients with keratoconjunctivitis signs were referred to an eye hospital of Iran.
  
  
  METHODS
  After DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out for detection of VACV. PCR-positive products were further subjected to DNA sequencing.
  
  
  METHODS
  The results were analyzed using Chi-square test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In this study, 28% of the samples were positive and a statistically significant relationship obtained between working in medical or research laboratories and VACV prevalence (P < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study showed a high rate of VACV keratoconjunctivitis, and therefore, further studies for its prevention and control are necessary.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Shahrekord, Shahrekord, Iran.
authors.forename: Zahra Movahedi
authors.initials: ZM
authors.lastname: Motlagh
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Shahrekord, Shahrekord, Iran.
authors.forename: Azam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mokhtari
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Shahrekord, Shahrekord, Iran.
authors.forename: Mohammadreza
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mahzounieh
mesh_terms: D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D015828:Eye Infections, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D023281:Genomics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007492:Iran / Q000453:epidemiology; D007637:Keratoconjunctivitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D014615:Vaccinia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology; D014616:Vaccinia virus / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D004279:DNA, Viral