| dc.description.abstract | The Poxviridae family consists of a complex group of DNA viruses that multiply in the host cell cytoplasm of both vertebrates and invertebrates. It is divided into two subfamilies: Entomopoxvirinae, represented by invertebrate infecting poxviruses, and Chordopoxvirinae, which cause infection in various vertebrate species. Cordopoxviruses are distributed in ten genera and one genus not yet designated. The particle size of the poxviruses can reach up to 450 nm and their genome can be 130 to 375 kbp, encoding approximately 200 genes. In its genome there is a conserved central region that has genes essential for its multiplication. The terminal portion has regions with identical inverted terminal repeats (ITRs). The Orthopoxvirus genus consists of nine species, four of which are capable of causing human infections (Variola virus, Cowpox virus, Monkeypox virus, Vaccinia virus). Since the global eradication of smallpox in 1980, Monkeypox virus has raised concerns in researchers and the medical community due to the fact it causes a rare zoonose which presents clinical signs and symptoms similar to those of smallpox. This virus is endemic in some African countries and in 2003 caused an outbreak in the United States. Thus, the present work aimed to carry out a bibliographical review on this zoonotic agent, addressing the structural, taxonomic, clinical and epidemiological aspects of the Monkeypox virus. | |
