Here, there, and everywhere: The wide host range and geographic distribution of zoonotic orthopoxviruses

Natalia Ingrid Oliveira Silva, Jaqueline Silva de Oliveira, Erna Geessien Kroon, Giliane de Souza Trindade, Betânia Paiva Drumond

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

111 Scopus citations

Abstract

The global emergence of zoonotic viruses, including poxviruses, poses one of the greatest threats to human and animal health. Forty years after the eradication of smallpox, emerging zoonotic orthopoxviruses, such as monkeypox, cowpox, and vaccinia viruses continue to infect humans as well as wild and domestic animals. Currently, the geographical distribution of poxviruses in a broad range of hosts worldwide raises concerns regarding the possibility of outbreaks or viral dissemination to new geographical regions. Here, we review the global host ranges and current epidemiological understanding of zoonotic orthopoxviruses while focusing on orthopoxviruses with epidemic potential, including monkeypox, cowpox, and vaccinia viruses.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number43
JournalViruses
Volume13
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cowpox virus
  • Emergent viruses
  • Host range
  • Monkeypox virus
  • Orthopoxvirus
  • Outbreak
  • Poxviridae
  • Vaccinia virus
  • Wild and domestic animals
  • Zoonosis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Here, there, and everywhere: The wide host range and geographic distribution of zoonotic orthopoxviruses'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this