The different types of poxviruses are generally categorized into groups like orthopoxviruses and parapoxviruses, each containing specific virus types.
According to the provided information, key types include those within the Orthopoxvirus and Parapoxvirus genera.
Understanding Poxvirus Groups
Poxviruses are a large family of DNA viruses that can cause disease in humans and many other animals. The term "pox" often refers to the characteristic skin lesions that many of these viruses produce. Based on their structure and genetic makeup, these viruses are classified into different genera. Two significant genera mentioned in the reference are Orthopoxviruses and Parapoxviruses.
Orthopoxviruses
The orthopoxviruses include several well-known and historically significant viruses.
- Smallpox (variola): A highly contagious and often deadly disease, now eradicated globally.
- Monkeypox: A viral disease transmitted from animals to humans, causing symptoms similar to smallpox but less severe.
- Vaccinia: The virus used in the smallpox vaccine.
- Cowpox: A viral disease primarily affecting cats, but can be transmitted to humans and other animals.
- Buffalopox: A viral disease primarily affecting buffalo, but can also infect humans.
- Cantagalo: A type of orthopoxvirus found in Brazil.
- Aracatuba viruses: Another type of orthopoxvirus found in Brazil.
Parapoxviruses
Parapoxviruses are another genus of poxviruses, often associated with lesions on the skin and mucous membranes of ungulates (hoofed mammals), though some can infect humans.
- Orf virus: Causes contagious pustular dermatitis, mainly in sheep and goats, and can infect humans.
- Bovine papular stomatitis virus: Causes lesions in the mouths of cattle and can infect humans.
- Pseudocowpox virus: Causes lesions on the udders of cattle and can infect humans (known as milker's nodules).
- Deerpox virus: A parapoxvirus affecting deer.
- Sealpox virus: A parapoxvirus affecting seals.
Summary Table of Poxvirus Types
Here is a summary of the different types of poxviruses mentioned, categorized by their group:
| Group | Specific Viruses |
|---|---|
| Orthopoxviruses | Smallpox (variola), Monkeypox, Vaccinia, Cowpox, Buffalopox, Cantagalo, and Aracatuba viruses |
| Parapoxviruses | Orf virus, Bovine papular stomatitis virus, Pseudocowpox virus, Deerpox virus, and Sealpox virus |
This table provides a clear overview of the specific poxviruses categorized within these two groups based on the provided reference.
