Mousepox Virus (Ectromelia Virus), Molecular Mechanisms, Clinical Manifestations, and Control Strategies

Abstract

Mousepox virus or Ectromelia virus (ECTV) is a member of rodent-specific virus belonging to the family of the Poxviridae and the genus Orthopoxvirus. ECTV is the etiological agent of mousepox a severe and often lethal disease in Mice that closely mimics the progression of small pox. Ectromelia virus can be transmitted through direct contact, fecal oral route, aerosolize inhalation and bites or scratches from infected mice. The replication cycle of Ectromelia virus (ECTV) begins with attachment, entry, and uncoating, followed by early transcription and translation of proteins necessary for immune evasion and genome replication within the host cytoplasm. Subsequently, late gene expression leads to the assembly, maturation, and release of infectious virions, allowing further spread of the virus. The pathogenesis of Ectromelia virus (ECTV) involves sequential stages beginning with viral entry and primary replication in skin and lymphoid tissues, followed by primary viremia that enables dissemination to organs such as the spleen and liver. Subsequent secondary replication leads to a secondary viremia, resulting in systemic spread and the development of characteristic skin lesions, marking the clinical onset of mousepox. The clinical presentations of ECTV includes fever, lethargy, skin-rash or lesions, systemic organ damage, swelling around the eyes and nose and respiratory problems. Mousepox, caused by Ectromelia virus, is a rodent-specific disease with no human cases, thus it lacks distribution patterns based on human demographics such as age, sex, or occupation. ECTV can be diagnosed using physical examination, viral culture, serological tests such as Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay, viral neutralization assay, western blotting and immunofluorescence assay. Treatment of mousepox virus involves the use of antiviral drugs such as cidofovir, tecovirimat, and medicinal plants with antiviral properties such as Sarracenia purpurea, Azadirachta indica, Euphoria hirta. ECTV can be prevented using enhanced biosecurity, regular health monitoring, quarantine procedures and vaccination.