Affiliation:
1. Department of Medical Laboratory College of Applied Medical Sciences Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University Al‐Kharj Saudi Arabia
2. Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences College of Applied Medical Sciences Taif University Taif Saudi Arabia
Abstract
ABSTRACTPoxviridae is a diverse family of double‐stranded DNA viruses, historically significant for diseases like smallpox caused by variola virus (VARV). These viruses exhibit unique cytoplasmic replication strategies, large genomes encoding numerous proteins, and the ability to cause severe cutaneous and systemic diseases. Recent attention has focused on their neurotropic potential, including mechanisms of CNS invasion, immune‐mediated damage, and clinical manifestations such as encephalitis and myelitis. This review synthesises current knowledge on poxvirus neurotropism, highlighting pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical implications.