Parapox and cowpox infections rarely, if ever, spread from person to person. There is increasing evidence, however, that sexual transmission of molluscum is important. Vaccinia virus is traditionally regarded as a laboratory virus with no natural reservoir. However, buffalopox virus, now considered a variant of vaccinia virus, appears to have established itself in India, although information about its reservoir host is lacking. This is perhaps most common with human cowpox, since most cases are not traced to a particular source and a clinical diagnosis of anthrax is sometimes made.
Cultivation then allows identification by biologic and serum neutralization tests.
Precise identification by antibody detection is compromised by close antigenic relationships within genera, but knowledge of host and geographic range will help to confirm a presumptive diagnosis. Control Control of the common human poxvirus infections depends on knowledge of their epidemiology. In particular, persons caring for sick livestock should take precautions, but the extent of occupational exposure is such that infection and reinfection are inevitable. Control of infections such as cowpox which has an unknown reservoir, is virtually impossible. Monkeypox is a special case.