Poxviridae

• Poxviridae

  • Largest, brick-shaped or ovoid viruses enveloped 
  • All poxviruses tend to produce skin lesion
  • Can be seen by light microscopy 
  • “Pocks” on chorioallantoic membrane (Culture) 
  • Causative agent - smallpox
  • Associated with rash with centrifugal distribution and synchronous change in lesion 
  • Highly contagious and spread via respiratory tract causing lesions and death
• Alastrin

  Mild version of chicken pox
• Vaccinia virus

  A virulent form of poxviridae used in making vaccine of smallpox
• Molluscum contagiosum

  • Small, pink, papular, wart-like benign tumors of the skin or mucous membrane seen on genitals or body extremities 
  • Most common pox virus worldwide 
  • Appear as small, white bumps that have a central dimple 1-2 mm diameter 
  • Susceptible in AIDS patients