Abstract |
Transmission of vaccinia virus after smallpox vaccination is a concern. We conducted a prospective examination of the protection afforded by vaccination-site bandages in recently vaccinated individuals. After smallpox vaccination, inoculation sites were covered with 2 occlusive dressings. Site assessment and bandage changes occurred every 3-5 days until the site was healed. At each visit, specimens from the vaccination site, outer dressing surface, and contralateral hand were obtained for vaccinia culture. For 148 vaccinated subjects, vaccinia was detected from vaccination lesions of every subject on several occasions. Only 6 (0.65%) of 918 dressing (95% CI, 0.24%-1.4%) and 2 (0.22%) of 926 hand (95% CI, 0.03%-0.78%) specimens tested positive for vaccinia. The mean number of bandage changes was 9.6 (95% CI, 9.17-10.0). Vaccinia autoinoculation did not occur. The rate of vaccinia recovery outside occlusive bandages covering smallpox vaccination sites was remarkably low, suggesting excellent protection against inadvertent transmission.
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Authors | Thomas R Talbot, Ellis Ziel, Jennifer K Doersam, Bonnie LaFleur, Sharon Tollefson, Kathryn M Edwards |
Journal | Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
(Clin Infect Dis)
Vol. 38
Issue 4
Pg. 536-41
(Feb 15 2004)
ISSN: 1537-6591 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 14765347
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adult
- Female
- Hand
(virology)
- Humans
- Male
- Occlusive Dressings
- Risk Factors
- Smallpox
(prevention & control)
- Smallpox Vaccine
(administration & dosage, adverse effects)
- Vaccination
(adverse effects)
- Vaccinia
(transmission)
- Vaccinia virus
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