ACAM2000: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:15, 15 February 2025

ACAM2000[edit]

ACAM2000 is a smallpox vaccine that is used to protect against the variola virus, the causative agent of smallpox. It is a live, attenuated vaccine derived from the vaccinia virus, which is closely related to the variola virus. ACAM2000 is administered using a bifurcated needle, a method that is distinct from the typical intramuscular or subcutaneous injections used for many other vaccines.

History[edit]

The development of ACAM2000 was initiated in response to the need for a safer and more effective smallpox vaccine. The original smallpox vaccine, known as Dryvax, was used during the global smallpox eradication campaign led by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, Dryvax was associated with certain adverse effects, prompting the development of ACAM2000 as a second-generation vaccine.

Administration[edit]

ACAM2000 is administered using a bifurcated needle, which is dipped into the vaccine solution and then used to prick the skin multiple times in a small area, usually on the upper arm. This method creates a localized infection with the vaccinia virus, leading to the development of immunity against smallpox. The site of vaccination typically develops a pustule, which eventually scabs over and heals, leaving a small scar.

Efficacy and Safety[edit]

ACAM2000 has been shown to be effective in inducing immunity against smallpox. However, as with any live vaccine, there are potential risks and side effects. Common side effects include mild fever, fatigue, and localized skin reactions. More serious complications, such as myocarditis and pericarditis, have been reported, although they are rare.

Use in Biodefense[edit]

Due to the potential use of smallpox as a bioterrorism agent, ACAM2000 is stockpiled by various governments as part of their biodefense strategies. The vaccine is not used in routine immunization programs, as smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980. However, it remains an important tool for emergency preparedness.

Related Pages[edit]

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-{{Short description|A detailed overview of the ACAM2000 smallpox vaccine}}
+== ACAM2000 ==
-==Overview==
+[[File:Smallpox_vaccination_needle.jpg|thumb|right|A bifurcated needle used for smallpox vaccination]]
-[[ACAM2000]] is a live vaccinia virus vaccine used for the prevention of [[smallpox]]. It is a second-generation smallpox vaccine developed to replace the older [[Dryvax]] vaccine. ACAM2000 is produced by [[Sanofi Pasteur]] and was licensed by the [[United States Food and Drug Administration|FDA]] in 2007.
-==History==
+'''ACAM2000''' is a [[smallpox vaccine]] that is used to protect against the [[variola virus]], the causative agent of [[smallpox]]. It is a live, attenuated vaccine derived from the [[vaccinia virus]], which is closely related to the variola virus. ACAM2000 is administered using a bifurcated needle, a method that is distinct from the typical intramuscular or subcutaneous injections used for many other vaccines.
-The development of ACAM2000 was initiated in response to the need for a safer and more effective smallpox vaccine. The original smallpox vaccine, Dryvax, was derived from calf lymph and had been in use since the 1970s. Due to concerns about the safety and availability of Dryvax, the U.S. government sought to develop a new vaccine. ACAM2000 was developed using modern cell culture techniques, specifically using the [[African green monkey]] kidney cell line, [[Vero cells]].
-==Mechanism of Action==
+== History ==
-ACAM2000 contains live vaccinia virus, which is closely related to the variola virus that causes smallpox. When administered, the vaccine induces an immune response that provides protection against smallpox. The vaccinia virus in ACAM2000 replicates at the site of inoculation, leading to the formation of a localized lesion known as a "take." This process stimulates the body's immune system to produce antibodies and [[T cells]] that confer immunity to smallpox.
-==Administration==
+The development of ACAM2000 was initiated in response to the need for a safer and more effective smallpox vaccine. The original smallpox vaccine, known as [[Dryvax]], was used during the global smallpox eradication campaign led by the [[World Health Organization]] (WHO). However, Dryvax was associated with certain adverse effects, prompting the development of ACAM2000 as a second-generation vaccine.
-ACAM2000 is administered using a bifurcated needle, which is dipped into the vaccine solution and then used to prick the skin multiple times in a small area, usually on the upper arm. This method of administration is known as "scarification." A successful vaccination is indicated by the development of a pustular lesion at the site of inoculation within 6 to 8 days.
-==Safety and Side Effects==
+== Administration ==
-While ACAM2000 is generally safe, it can cause side effects, some of which can be serious. Common side effects include soreness at the injection site, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. More serious side effects can include [[myocarditis]], [[pericarditis]], and [[encephalitis]]. Due to these potential risks, ACAM2000 is primarily used for military personnel and laboratory workers who are at high risk of exposure to smallpox.
-==Current Use==
+ACAM2000 is administered using a bifurcated needle, which is dipped into the vaccine solution and then used to prick the skin multiple times in a small area, usually on the upper arm. This method creates a localized infection with the vaccinia virus, leading to the development of immunity against smallpox. The site of vaccination typically develops a pustule, which eventually scabs over and heals, leaving a small scar.
-ACAM2000 is part of the U.S. Strategic National Stockpile and is used to protect military personnel and certain civilian populations in the event of a smallpox outbreak. It is not available for general public use due to the eradication of smallpox and the associated risks of the vaccine.
+== Efficacy and Safety ==
+ACAM2000 has been shown to be effective in inducing immunity against smallpox. However, as with any live vaccine, there are potential risks and side effects. Common side effects include mild fever, fatigue, and localized skin reactions. More serious complications, such as [[myocarditis]] and [[pericarditis]], have been reported, although they are rare.
+== Use in Biodefense ==
+Due to the potential use of smallpox as a [[bioterrorism]] agent, ACAM2000 is stockpiled by various governments as part of their biodefense strategies. The vaccine is not used in routine immunization programs, as smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980. However, it remains an important tool for emergency preparedness.
+== Related Pages ==
-==Related pages==
 * [[Smallpox]]
-* [[Vaccinia]]
+* [[Vaccinia virus]]
-* [[Vaccination]]
 * [[Bioterrorism]]
+* [[World Health Organization]]
-==Gallery==
-<gallery>
-File:Smallpox_vaccination_needle.jpg|A bifurcated needle used for administering the ACAM2000 vaccine.
-</gallery>
 [[Category:Vaccines]]
-[[Category:Smallpox]]
+[[Category:Biodefense]]
-[[Category:Biological weapons countermeasures]]