vac·cin·i·a (v k-s n  - )n. 1. See cowpox. 2. An infection induced in humans by inoculation with the vaccinia virus in order to confer resistance to smallpox; it is usually limited to the site of inoculation. Also called primary reaction. vac·cin i·al adj. |
vaccinia
[vaksin′ē·ə]
Etymology: L, vaccinus
an infectious disease of cattle caused by a poxvirus that may be transmitted to humans by direct contact or deliberate inoculation as a vaccine against smallpox. A pustule develops at the site of infection, usually followed by malaise and fever that last for several days. After 2 weeks the pustule becomes a crust that eventually drops off, leaving a scar. Satellite lesions may occur, and the virus may be spread to other sites by scratching. Individuals with eczema or other preexisting skin disease may develop generalized vaccinia. Rarely, a severe encephalitis follows vaccinia. Also called cowpox. Compare smallpox. See also vaccination.
vaccinia
the vaccinia virus; a laboratory generated virus, antigenically related to the cowpox virus, that causes a lesion on the teat skin of affected cows. It is indistinguishable from cowpox lesions and used to be used to vaccinate humans against smallpox.
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