Poxviruses

Poxviruses have enormous double-stranded DNA genomes and are shaped like bricks or ovals. Poxviruses are present all over the world and can infect both humans and a wide range of other species. Infections with poxvirus frequently cause lesions, skin nodules, or a widespread rash to appear.

The most common way that humans become infected is through contact with diseased animals, people, or objects. Some poxviruses, like the variola virus that causes smallpox, are no longer found in nature, while other poxviruses can still spread the disease. These include the molluscum contagiosum, orf, and monkeypox viruses, among others.

Types of Poxviruses

Genus Orthopoxvirus

Numerous species of the orthopoxvirus genus can infect both people and animals. The variola virus, the cause of smallpox, is the most well-known member of the genus. Other noteworthy members include the cowpox virus, initially presented by Edward Jenner in the late 18th century as the component of the first vaccination, the monkeypox virus, and the vaccinia virus, which is utilised in the current smallpox vaccine.

Orthopoxviruses

• Camelpox virus
• Cowpox virus
• Ectromelia virus
• Horsepox virus
• Monkeypox virus
• Raccoonpox virus
• Skunkpox virus
• Taterapox virus
• Uasin Gishu virus
• Vaccinia virus (smallpox vaccine)
• Variola (smallpox) virus
• Volepox virus

Genus Parapoxvirus

Sheep, goats, and cattle are just a few of the livestock animals that parapoxviruses can infect. Infection in humans is typically linked to work with sheep, goats, and cattle.

Parapoxviruses

• Bovine papular stomatitis virus
• Orf virus (sore mouth infection)
• Pseudocowpox virus
• Parapoxvirus of red deer
• Squirrel parapoxvirus

Tentative members

• Camel contagious ecthyma (Ausdyk) virus
• Chamois contagious ecthyma virus
• Parapoxvirus of reindeer virus
• Sealpox virus

Genus Molluscipoxvirus

The Molluscipoxvirus genus only contains one species, Molluscum contagiosum. Only humans can contract Molluscum contagiosum, which is a prevalent infection in kids and those with compromised immune systems.

Molluscipoxviruses

• Molluscum contagiosum virus

Genus Yatapoxviruses

In equatorial Africa, yatapoxviruses infect both humans and apes. The Tana River Basin (Kenya) and Yaba (Lagos, Nigeria), where the species were discovered, are the names of the genus species. It is unknown who yatapoxviruses naturally inhabit.

Yatapoxviruses

• Tanapox, Yaba-like disease virus
• Yaba monkey tumour virus

Genus Capripoxviruses

Capripoxviruses attack cattle, sheep, and goats. High morbidity from infection and severe economic effects from Capripoxvirus epidemics can also affect farmers. The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE: Office International des Epizooties) has designated the viruses in this genus as significant animal diseases that need to be reported.

Capripoxviruses

• Sheeppox virus
• Goatpox virus
• Lumpy skin disease virus

Genus Suipoxviruses

The Suipoxvirus genus only contains one virus: the swinepox virus. The sole known host for this virus is swine.

Suipoxviruses

• Swinepox

Genus Leporipoxviruses

Rabbits, hares, and squirrels are all infected by the Leporipoxvirus genus. In an effort to exterminate wild European rabbits in Australia in the 1950s, the myxoma virus was utilised as a pest control. Leporipoxviruses are primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, while other biting insects like fleas can also spread the virus.

Leporipoxviruses

• Myxoma virus
• Shope fibroma virus (Rabbit fibroma)
• Squirrel fibroma virus
• Hare fibroma virus

Genus Avipoxviruses

Numerous domestic and wild birds are infected by avipoxviruses, which have been linked to disease in at least 232 species across 23 orders. The most common methods of transmission are bites from insects like mosquitoes, skin abrasions, and inhalation.

Avipoxviruses

• Canarypox virus
• Fowlpox virus
• Juncopox virus
• Mynahpox virus
• Pigeonpox virus
• Psittacinepox virus
• Quailpox virus
• Sparrowpox virus
• Starlingpox virus
• Turkeypox virus

Tentative members

• Crowpox virus
• Peacockpox virus
• Penguinpox virus