Smallpox



Smallpox

Introduction

Traces of smallpox can be seen as far back as approximately 10,000 BC. Close examination of the mummified body of Ramses V, Pharaoh of Egypt, show signs of pustule rashes. The diseases is also credited for taking the lives of approximately 400,000 Europeans during the 18th century, of which 70% are expected to be children. After numerous campaigns, awareness and outreach programs, the World Health Organization announced the eradication of smallpox in the year 1979 (www.webmd.com). This paper takes a closer look at the disease, discussing the organism, how it is spread, treatment and virulence factors.

Structures/Functions

The Vaiola virus is categorized into two distinct groups, Variola major and Variola minor. Both of these categories are infectious to human beings and are responsible for numerous deaths. Mortality rate is thought to be around 30% for Variola major whereas thouse inflected by Variola minor are more likely to survive, with mortality rates approximately 1%. The virus itself is quite complex, as described further below.

Figure 1: Virus Structure

The virus particle appears as a biconcave brick, with dimensions of 200nm to 400nm. The compartment on the inside is comprised of highly compressed deoxyribonucleic acids, with an addition of 10 viral enzymes and nearly 100 proteins. The enzymes play a part in the replication of nucleic acid. The DNA comprises of approximately 250,000 base pairs, constituting to about 200 genes. The depressions contain lateral bodies, whose function is yet to be agreed upon by scholars and biologists. On the outer side, two membranes surround the virus' body. The outer most layers are covered with spikes that are approximately 20nm in length and are often arranged helically.

Epidemiology

The virus is highly contagious and can often cause infections if inhaled. In most cases, droplets expressed from the nasal, oral or pharyngeal mucosa are the primary ...