Virus
Variola virus
Smallpox agent, eradicated in 1980
vuh-RY-oh-luh VY-rus
High-yield clue
Smallpox, caused by variola, was declared eradicated by the WHO in 1980 after a global vaccination campaign.
Overview
The large double-stranded DNA orthopoxvirus that historically caused smallpox; it is studied as the only human disease declared eradicated and as a landmark in vaccination and public-health history.
Classification
- DNA virus
- Double-stranded DNA
- Cytoplasmic replication
- Family Poxviridae, genus Orthopoxvirus
Lab & identification clues
- Orthopoxvirus classification concept
- Guarnieri inclusion body historical concept
- Synchronous same-stage rash description (historical)
- High-containment biosafety framing
Associations
- Declared eradicated by WHO in 1980
- Vaccinia-based vaccination eradication history
- Known live stocks retained at two WHO reference centers
- Foundational example of herd immunity and eradication
Commonly confused with
- Varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox)
- Mpox (monkeypox virus)
Frequently asked questions
What is Variola virus?
The large double-stranded DNA orthopoxvirus that historically caused smallpox; it is studied as the only human disease declared eradicated and as a landmark in vaccination and public-health history.
What are the lab clues for Variola virus?
Lab clues for Variola virus include Orthopoxvirus classification concept, Guarnieri inclusion body historical concept, Synchronous same-stage rash description (historical), and High-containment biosafety framing.
What is Variola virus commonly confused with?
Variola virus is commonly confused with Varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox) and Mpox (monkeypox virus).
Original student-study summary. Sources checked: OpenStax Microbiology 2e, NCBI Bookshelf Medical Microbiology, and CDC topic pages where applicable; reviewed 2026-06. Educational only; no diagnosis, treatment, dosing, or specimen-handling guidance.