Orf Virus Infection In Humans: A Review With A Focus On Advances In Diagnosis And Treatment

Abstract

Ecthyma contagiosum, also called contagious pustular dermatosis, is a zoonotic disease caused by the orf virus (OrfV). As a member of the poxviridae family and parapoxvirus genus, this dermatotropic virus has developed an array of mechanisms by which to evade the host immune system in both humans and animals. The ubiquitousness of this pathogen in sheep, goats, and deer has led to the development of orf in diverse areas around the world. Human disease occurs via direct contact with infected animals or fomites. Rarely, human-to-human transmission has been reported. The disease progresses through six clinically distinct dermatologic stages and lesions usually heal in three to six weeks without scarring. Farmers, veterinarians, and hunters represent high-risk groups, as their repeated contact with livestock and wild animals predisposes them to infection. With an increasing number of cattle, livestock, and wild animals being kept as pets, human orf may become more prevalent in the future. Taken with the lack of a widely accepted and successful antiviral treatment regimen, this demonstrates the importance of conducting additional research to further elucidate the pathogenic effects of the OrfV in humans.

Publication Date

7-1-2017

Publication Title

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology

Volume

16

Issue

7

Number of Pages

684-689

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

Socpus ID

85029155293 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85029155293

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS