Smallpox virus particle. Artwork of the variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. This brick-shaped virus consists of an outer membrane (seen her

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Smallpox virus particle. Artwork of the variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. This brick-shaped virus consists of an outer membrane (seen here as a translucent network) studded with surface proteins. Inside is a protein capsule containing the genetic material (DNA, coloured red). Variola is the most virulent member of the orthopoxvirus group. It is specific to humans, having no other animal hosts. Infection with variola causes a high temperature and skin spots that develop into scarring pustules. It is transmitted by respiratory droplets or by the pus. Smallpox was eradicated in the 1970's by a global vaccination programme. However, isolated cultures of the virus are still kept in laboratories for research purposes.

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Size: 5669px × 4000px
Photo credit: © THOMAS FESTER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: artwork, biological, biology, condition, disease, disorder, epidemic, fatal, illustration, medical, medicine, mesh, microbiological, microbiology, network, orthopoxvirus, particle, pathogen, pathogenic, pox, single, small, smallpox, variola, viral, virion, virology, virus