Question

The World Health Organization (WHO), the United States, and Russia have repeatedly discussed the destruction of the two countries’ stocks of the smallpox virus, but deadlines for destruction have been postponed numerous times. In the meantime, the entire genome of variola major has been sequenced. What reasons can governments cite for maintaining smallpox viruses? Should all laboratory stores of smallpox viruses be destroyed? Given that the genome of the virus has been sequenced and that DNA can be synthesized, would elimination of all laboratory stocks really be the extinction of the smallpox virus?

Short answer

Governments may cite reasons such as research and development of vaccinations for maintaining smallpox viruses. Opinion varies on whether all lab stocks should be destroyed as it is a delicate balance of risk and potential future benefit. Despite this, destruction of all tangible stocks does not guarantee complete extinction of the smallpox virus as its sequenced genome could allow future synthesis.

Step-by-step solution

Recognize the Reasons

Different governments might have varied reasons for maintaining stocks of smallpox viruses. Some common reasons include research purposes, development of vaccines and other medical measures, and maintaining resources in case of a re-emergence of the virus. It is important to understand the dual nature of these reasons being scientific and protective.

Evaluate the Need for Laboratory Stores

Whether all laboratory stocks of smallpox viruses should be destroyed is subjective, as it depends on weighing the risks against benefits. On one hand, maintaining these reserves could pose a risk of the virus unintentionally being released or misused. On the other hand, destroying the stocks may inhibit future research or response efforts if the disease were to resurface.

Understand the Role of the Sequenced Genome

Lastly, it's essential to consider that even if all tangible stocks of the virus were destroyed, the smallpox virus would not be entirely extinct because its genome has been sequenced. This means it could theoretically be synthesized in the future. However, the capacity to synthesize a workable virus from sequence alone is currently uncertain and should be included in the consideration of the decision-process.

Key concepts

Variola Major Sequencing

The sequencing of the variola major, the virus responsible for smallpox, has been a scientific milestone, providing comprehensive data about its genetic makeup. This genome sequencing allows researchers to study the virus without the need for live samples, which reduces the risk of accidental release or misuse.

By understanding the DNA sequence of variola major, scientists can investigate how the virus infects cells, replicates, and evades the immune system, which are crucial areas in the field of virology. Moreover, sequencing has paved the way for the development of newer and more effective vaccines, antiviral drugs, and diagnostic tools.

It's noteworthy that while sequencing stores the 'blueprint' of the virus, recreating a live virus purely from its genetic code presents significant technical and ethical challenges. Thus, the availability of the complete variola major sequence serves as a valuable resource for ongoing vigilance against smallpox.

Bioethical Considerations in Microbiology

Balancing the benefits and risks of retaining pathogenic samples like the smallpox virus requires careful ethical consideration. Retaining these samples aids in understanding pathogens and preparing for future outbreaks, yet it also poses a risk of accidental or intentional release.

Bioethical considerations come into play when determining the necessity of keeping these virus stocks. A major ethical question revolves around the potential threat these pose versus the benefits they offer to humanity. There is a moral responsibility to prevent the risks associated with the possibility of bioterrorism and the accidental release of the virus. These concerns must be weighed against the ethical imperative to preserve the means to protect public health.

Additionally, with the technology to recreate viruses from their genetic sequences, another bioethical concern is the ease with which nefarious entities could synthesize pathogens. There is a pressing need for international regulations and agreements to prevent the misuse of genetic information for harmful purposes.

Vaccine Development and Research

Smallpox vaccine research has dramatically benefited from the virus's genomic sequence. With this knowledge, vaccine development can progress without the inherent risks of handling the actual virus. The endeavor now seeks not only to refine existing smallpox vaccines but also to explore new avenues for vaccination, such as DNA-based vaccines, which rely on genetic information rather than the whole virus.

Additionally, the understanding of variola major's genome aids in the anticipation of potential viral mutations, facilitating development of countermeasures against hypothetical new strains. This research could also offer insights for other viral infections, enhancing broader vaccine technology.

However, the ethical implications of synthesizing vaccines from sequenced viruses must be considered. The potential of creating a pathogen accidentally through research is a risk that must be managed through rigorous safety protocols and legal frameworks that govern such research. Vaccine development, while vital for public health, is inseparable from the ethical responsibility of ensuring global safety and security.