Frank Fenner’s classic study of the pathogenesis of ectromelia (mousepox) viral infection
- Frank Fenner’s classic study on the pathogenesis of ectromelia virus (mousepox) significantly advanced our understanding of viral infections, especially within the context of poxviruses.
- His work in the mid-20th century laid out the detailed mechanisms by which the ectromelia virus caused disease in mice, drawing parallels to other poxvirus infections, such as smallpox in humans.
- Initial entry and replication at the local site of entry plus or minus involvement of regional draining lymph nodes
- Primary viremia, leading to replication in liver and spleen
- Secondary viremia, with localization in the target organ(s)
- Replication in the target organ, leading to damage and symptoms
- Adaptive immune response, clearance of infected cells, elimination of the virus, repair of damage
