Vaccinia virus
Vaccinia virus
Vaccinia virus (pronounced as vak-sin-ee-uh vahy-ruhs) is a large, complex, enveloped virus belonging to the poxvirus family. It is famous for its role in the eradication of smallpox, one of the most devastating diseases known to humanity.
Etymology
The term "vaccinia" is derived from the Latin word 'vaccinus', meaning 'from cows'. This is a reference to the historical use of cowpox virus, a close relative of vaccinia virus, in the first vaccines developed by Edward Jenner in the late 18th century.
Description
Vaccinia virus is a member of the genus Orthopoxvirus, which also includes viruses such as cowpox, monkeypox, and variola (the causative agent of smallpox). It has a large, linear, double-stranded DNA genome, and is capable of replicating in the cytoplasm of a wide range of host cells.
Medical Significance
Vaccinia virus is best known for its role in the vaccination against smallpox. The virus used in the smallpox vaccine is not actually the smallpox (variola) virus, but a closely related virus known as vaccinia. Vaccination with vaccinia virus provides immunity to smallpox, and was instrumental in the global eradication of smallpox in the 20th century.
In addition to its role in vaccination, vaccinia virus is also used as a tool in molecular biology and genetic engineering. It is often used as a vector in the development of recombinant vaccines and in gene therapy.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Vaccinia virus
- Wikipedia's article - Vaccinia virus
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