The following medical news items are relevant to diagnosis and misdiagnosis issues for Smallpox:
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Diagnosis is based on history and presenting signs and symptoms. The virus may be isolated from vesicular fluid to aid in diagnosis and differentiation from other rash-producing viruses.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Diagnosis rests on the characteristic clinical signs and usually doesn’t require laboratory tests. However, the virus can be isolated from vesicular fluid within the first 3 or 4 days of the rash; Giemsa stain distinguishes varicella-zoster from vaccinia and variola viruses. Serum contains antibodies 7 days after onset.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Before the global eradication program, smallpox was readily recognizable, especially during an epidemic or after known contact. However, most of today's health care workers aren’t familiar with the disease’s telltale signs and symptoms. The most conclusive laboratory test is a culture of variola virus isolated from an aspirate of vesicles and pustules. Other laboratory tests include microscopic examination of smears from lesion scrapings and complement fixation to detect virus or antibodies to the virus in the patient's blood.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Varicella is diagnosed by characteristic clinical signs and usually doesn’t require laboratory tests. However, the virus can be isolated from vesicular fluid within the first 3 to 4 days of the rash. Serum contains antibodies 7 days after onset.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Variola is readily recognizable, especially during an epidemic or after a known contact. The most conclusive laboratory test is a variola virus culture isolated from an aspirate of vesicles and pustules. Other laboratory tests include microscopic examination of smears from lesion scrapings and complement fixation to detect virus or virus antibodies in the patient’s blood.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
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