Abstract
Background
Vaccinia virus, a virus similar to but less virulent than variola virus, is a component of smallpox vaccines and increasingly used for medical research. Vaccinia immunoglobulin intravenous (VIGIV) and tecovirimat are stockpiled in the U.S. Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) for potential smallpox bioterror events, but only VIGIV is licensed for vaccinia treatment. On January 12, 2019, CDC was consulted for worsening infection in a laboratory worker after a needlestick with vaccinia.
Methods
We investigated demographic, clinical, vaccination, and exposure history and determined likelihood of vaccinia virus infection. Identity of the specific strain was sought because some have genetic modifications that might impact virulence. Discussions among stakeholders informed treatment decisions and facilitated medication access and usage. Swabs from the lesion were tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction for orthopoxvirus DNA, which includes vaccinia.
Results
The affected worker was an otherwise healthy 26-year-old woman who developed a pustular lesion at the needlestick site on her left index finger (Image). The patient had been injecting vaccinia virus into a mouse and had declined nationally recommended vaccination. Edema, lymphadenopathy, and fever raised concern for severe illness; neither the patient nor occupational health were certain of the vaccinia strain type. CDC, SNS, local health departments, drug manufacturers, and clinicians rapidly collaborated to make treatment decisions based on available information and ensure delivery of both biologics and administration of tecovirimat under an expanded access investigational new drug protocol. Eventually, a wound swab tested positive and the strain was determined to be one with no known impact on virulence.
Conclusion
With increasing use of vaccinia in research, occupational infections may continue to occur. Health clinics should extensively counsel staff who decline vaccination and have documentation on-hand about vaccinia virus types to inform treatment decisions. This response prompted CDC to develop outreach materials specifically for occupational vaccinia exposures.
Disclosures
All authors: No reported disclosures.
Novel Treatment of a Vaccinia Virus Infection from an Occupational Needlestick — San Diego, California, 2019
