Smallpox vaccination:
Risk considerations for patients with atopic
dermatitis.
Engler RJ, Kenner J, Leung
DY.
Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Allergy-Immunology
Department, Washington, DC, USA.
As the threat of bioterrorism
with pathogenic microbes such as smallpox virus (Variola major)
increases, the question of widespread voluntary vaccination with
smallpox (vaccinia) vaccines is being carefully considered. A major
challenge lies in the ability to protect the population from the disease
while minimizing the considerable side effects from the vaccine.
Individuals with active or quiescent atopic dermatitis are at increased
risk for vaccinia complications. The nature of these complications and
other considerations are summarized in this rostrum.