Orf

Abstract

Human orf occurred in 19 cases. The pathogenesis of the disease is similar in man and sheep, going through macular, target, acute, regenerative, papiliomatous, and regressive stages. Our cases healed with no scar in an average of 36 days. In three cases there was fever, lymphangitis, and lymphadenopathy. These complications cleared in three days in the cases observed. Progressive increase in size of regional lymph nodes was found 3, 7, 10, and 14 days after experimental vaccination of the extremities of a ewe. Electron microscopy revealed viral particles in various stages of maturation. The particles had the characteristic size and structure of the poxvirus group.