STRUCTURAL-FUNCTIONAL ORGANIZATION OF SMALLPOX VIRUS GENOME. 5. SEQUENCINGAND ANALYSIS OF THE LEFT-HAND END OF STRAIN INDIA-1967

The DNA segment (23,786 bp) of the variola (smallpox) virus strain India-1967 (VAR) covering the left-hand variable genome region was sequenced; computer analysis revealed 29 open reading frames. The genome region examined had multiple differences from those of vaccinia virus (VAC) strains Copenhagen and Western Reserve. The putative molecular factors of virulence encoded in the left part of the genome, the host range control genes, and the differences in gene structure between VAR and VAC are discussed.