Investigation of the first laboratory-acquired human cowpox virus infection in the United States.
J Infect Dis
; 206(1): 63-8, 2012 Jul 01.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-22539811
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Cowpox virus is an Orthopoxvirus that can cause infections in humans and a variety of animals. Infections occur in Eurasia; infections in humans and animals have not been reported in the United States. This report describes the occurrence of the first known human case of laboratory-acquired cowpox virus infection in the United States and the ensuing investigation.METHODS:
The patient and laboratory personnel were interviewed, and laboratory activities were reviewed. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and serologic assays were used to test the patient's specimens. PCR assays were used to test specimens obtained during the investigation.RESULTS:
A specimen from the patient's lesion tested positive for cowpox virus DNA. Genome sequencing revealed a recombinant region consistent with a strain of cowpox virus stored in the research laboratory's freezer. Cowpox virus contamination was detected in 6 additional laboratory stocks of viruses. Orthopoxvirus DNA was present in 3 of 20 environmental swabs taken from laboratory surfaces.CONCLUSIONS:
The handling of contaminated reagents or contact with contaminated surfaces was likely the mode of transmission. Delays in recognition and diagnosis of this infection in a laboratory researcher underscore the importance of a thorough patient history-including occupational information-and laboratory testing in facilitating a prompt investigation and application of control and remediation measures.
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
DNA Viral
/
Varíola Bovina
/
Vírus da Varíola Bovina
/
Transmissão de Doença Infecciosa do Paciente para o Profissional
/
Pessoal de Laboratório
/
Infecção Laboratorial
Limite:
Humans
País/Região como assunto:
America do norte
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Infect Dis
Ano de publicação:
2012
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos