Comparative and retrospective molecular analysis of Parapoxvirus (PPV) isolates

For the first time, a whole PPV genome sequence comparison of a human biopsy derived virus (B029) and its ovine counterpart (B015) originating from a defined Orf outbreak in Germany is provided, revealing their well conserved relationship. Thus human PPVs can be molecularly retraced to the PPV species indicating the animal of transmission. After transmission to the human host, molecular conservation of the animal's virus peculiarities indicative for a PPV species became evident.