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Global Update Indian Pediatrics 2002; 39:317-318 |
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Smallpox - A Potential Biowarfare Weapon: Destroy the Virus or Keep the Vaccine for Ever |
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Many laboratories stored smallpox virus before the disease was eradicated. Now only 2 laboratories hold the virus officially. These are State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology (VECTOR), Koltsovo, Novosibirsk Region, Russia, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA(6). The others were asked in 1980s to either destroy it or transfer it to either of the two authorized laboratories(3). In 1996, the WHA agreed to the complete destruction of virus by June 1999(6). In May 1999, the WHA reaffirmed the decision to destroy the remaining stocks of variola virus, but authorised temporary retention of the stocks upto the end of 2002 to permit further international research(7). This however, is unlikely to happen. USA has now decided to retain the virus until scientists develop new vaccine (which can be taken by the entire population) and treatment for the disease and other defensive measures, a process that may take many years or even decades to complete(8). Some governments believe that the variola virus has been retained in places other than the two authorized laboratories and that it may be deliberately released to cause harm(3). If it happens, it will prove disastrous in the affected areas and create panic in the whole world. All the countries which have retained the smallpox vaccine have only limited stock. In the event of an outbreak, they are unlikely to spare the vaccine for other countries. A WHO survey conducted in 1998 indicated that approximately 90 million declared doses of smallpox vaccine were available world-wide(9). USA has small- pox vaccine that is believed to be sufficient to vaccinate between 6 and 7 million persons(10). WHO collaborating center for Smallpox Vaccine in Bilthoven, the Nether-lands, is holding about 500,000 doses of vaccine on behalf of the WHO (Arthur RR, WHO: Personal Communication). This center is also holding the seed virus (vaccinia virus strain Lister Elstree) used to produce the vaccine(9). India stopped the vaccine production in 1979. Individual countries that have reason to believe that their people face an increased risk of smallpox because of deliberate use of the virus are considering options for increasing their access to smallpox vaccines(11). Increasing attention is being given to the extent and quality of existing vaccine stocks, and to the possible need both to stimulate vaccine production and increase stocks of vaccine for use in the event of an outbreak(11). Keeping in view the above, it is unlikely that we can assure ourselves that the globe will be free from smallpox virus in the near future. Therefore, what we need is to maintain our capability to intercept early epidemiological clues through continuing medical education, demonstrate capability in laboratory expertise using molecular techniques, have immediate access to the vaccine and maintain production capability to meet any eventuality.
K.K. Datta, |
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