Novel Poxvirus in Proliferative Lesions of Wild Rodents in East Central Texas, USA

Abstract

Northern pygmy mice from 2 localities in East Central Texas, USA, had proliferative epidermal lesions on the tail and feet. Electron microscopy of lesion tissue revealed poxvirus. Phylogenetic analyses indicated the virus differed 35% from its closest relatives, the Chordopoxvirinae. Future research is needed to determine whether this virus could affect human health.

Keywords

• Chordopoxvirinae
• histopathology
• microscopy
• electron microscopy
• phylogenetics
• Poxviridae