What the pox? Review of poxviruses affecting humans

J Clin Virol. 2024 Oct:174:105719. doi: 10.1016/j.jcv.2024.105719. Epub 2024 Aug 5.

Abstract

The re-emergence of human mpox with the multi-country outbreak and a recent report of borealpox (previously Alaskapox) resulting in one death has heightened awareness of the significance of the Poxviridae family and their zoonotic potential. This review examines various poxviruses affecting humans, with discussion of less commonly encountered Poxviridae members, including pathogenesis, epidemiology, and diagnostic methods. Poxvirus treatment is beyond the intended scope of this review and will not be discussed.

Keywords: Mpox; Orthopoxvirus; Poxvirus; Zoonotic poxviruses.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Humans
  • Mpox (monkeypox)
  • Poxviridae Infections* / diagnosis
  • Poxviridae Infections* / epidemiology
  • Poxviridae Infections* / virology
  • Poxviridae* / classification
  • Poxviridae* / genetics
  • Viral Zoonoses / epidemiology
  • Viral Zoonoses / virology
  • Zoonoses / epidemiology
  • Zoonoses / virology