Smallpox Causes. Variola (the virus that causes smallpox) is a member of the orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes viruses that cause cowpox, monkeypox, orf, and molluscum contagiosum.Poxviruses are the largest animal viruses, visible with a light microscope.urvivors of smallpox often have severely deformed skin from the pustules. 1  Types: Variola major, or smallpox, has a death rate of 30%. 2  Variola minor, or alastrim, is a milder form of the virus with a death rate of 1%. 3  Four types of variola exist: classic, hemorrhagic, malignant, and modified.
This means that even when condoms are used properly, syphilis can still be spread if the sore is located in an area not covered by the condom. Because sores can be located on the lips and mouth as well as the external genitals, vagina, anus, and rectum, there are many possibilities for transmission. [5].
Syphilis is caused by a bacteria; specifically, a motile (able to move) spirochete (corkscrew shaped bacteria) known as Treponema pallidum. The spirochete is passed from person to person sexually; during oral, anal and vaginal sex. Syphilis causes open sores primarily on the penis, anus, and vagina. Contact with those sores during oral, vaginal, or anal sex allows for the transfer of the spirochete sexually from one person to another. In addition to being sexually transmitted, syphilis can be passed from a pregnant