Whence Feral Vaccinia?
2010
Understanding Feral Vaccinia
Sample size: 344
Commentary
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Richard C. Condit
Primary Institution: University of Florida
Conclusion
There is a surprisingly high incidence of vaccinia infection in the Brazilian wilderness, particularly among monkeys.
Supporting Evidence
- 24% of the animals tested were seropositive for orthopoxvirus.
- 18 serum samples tested positive for orthopoxvirus DNA.
- Sequencing revealed the vaccinia strain associated with outbreaks in Brazil.
Takeaway
Scientists found that many monkeys in Brazil have a virus related to the smallpox vaccine, which is surprising because we didn't think monkeys could carry it.
Methodology
A serosurvey was conducted among 344 wild animals, including 296 monkeys, to test for orthopoxvirus.
Limitations
The study does not identify monkeys as a primary reservoir for the virus or address how the virus is transmitted among these animals.
Participant Demographics
The study involved 344 wild animals from the Brazilian Amazon, predominantly monkeys.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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