Mpox (Monkeypox): A Comprehensive Overview | Chapter 5 | Disease and Health: Research Developments Vol. 6

Monkeypox is a zoonotic viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus (MPXV), a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. Initially identified in 1958 in research monkeys, the first human case was identified in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Monkeypox primarily impacts Central and West African regions but has emerged globally as a public health concern, with outbreaks occurring in non-endemic nations. The disease manifests with influenzae-like symptoms, fever, lymphadenopathy, and a distinctive rash that evolves from macules to papules, vesicles, and pustules. Transmission occurs through close contact with infected individuals, body fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated surfaces. Zoonotic transmission originates from interaction with diseased animals, especially rats, considered to be the principal reservoirs. The 2022 multi-country outbreak highlighted the risk of human-to-human transmission in highly populated areas and among susceptible groups, including immunocompromised adults and children. The management of monkeypox is supportive, emphasising symptom alleviation and prevention of subsequent infections. Vaccines, including Modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN)) and ACAM2000, are effective against susceptible high-risk populations. Antiviral agents like tecovirimat have also shown promising results in severe cases. Containment strategies emphasize surveillance, public awareness, and vaccination campaigns targeting at-risk groups. The emergence of monkeypox underscores the necessity for improved monitoring of zoonotic diseases and international collaboration in tackling neglected tropical diseases.

 

Author (s) Details

 

Rakesh Tank
Department of General Medicine, SHKM Government Medical College, Nuh, Haryana-122107, India.

Priyanka Tank
Department of Paediatrics, SHKM Government Medical College, Nuh, Haryana-122107, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/dhrd/v6/4648

Deciphering Mpox: Understanding Pathophysiology, Perception, and Strategies for the Concerned Approach | Chapter 14 | New Visions in Medicine and Medical Science Vol. 2

 Recent advancements have furthered our understanding of Mpox pathogenesis, highlighting the virus's complex interactions with the human immune system. Studies now emphasize the critical role of mRNA vaccines in providing a potent immune response, underscoring the potential for broader protective measures against the virus. While the globe struggles to contain the Coronavirus disease- 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, the upsurge of isolated cases of other viral diseases like Monkey pox (Mpox) has raised alarm. On July 23, 2022, the world health organization (WHO) director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, PhD, overruled the WHO Emergency Committee (EC), which had voted 6-9 against declaring a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), and declared the current Mpox outbreak a PHEIC. In the lack of easily accessible prophylaxis or treatment, prompt case identification is critical for containment. The fact that some of the nine cases of mpox reported in India have no travel history, indicating that the disease may spread through droplet infection, nucleus, or aerosol transmission, is concerning the general public. The latest outbreak in Europe and North America is most likely sustained by human-to-human transmission, unlike the cases discovered in Africa, according to the letter’s authors. The virus can transfer from one person to another through direct contact with lesions, bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or fomites. However, the infection is typically a zoonosis in the African continent. Besides, the reluctance of people to even disclose when they have symptoms owing to social stigma, adds to the challenge. To combat the common misconceptions, the researchers demanded an ‘urgent’ revision to the term ‘Mpox.’ In contrast to smallpox, Mpox disease remains endemic in some parts of the world (primarily West and Central Africa). The outlook is better for the West African clade, which has a case fatality rate (CFR) of less than 1%. Whereas, the Central Basin clade (also called the Central African clade) is more deadly, with a CFR of up to 11% in young unvaccinated individuals. New research highlights advanced understanding of Mpox pathogenesis, including detailed virus localization in tissues, especially in immunocompromised patients. Studies show severe or fatal outcomes are more common in these groups, emphasizing the need for targeted surveillance and management strategies.

Author(s) Details:

Shazia Naaz,
Department of Microbiology, Mamata Academy of Medical Sciences, Bachupally, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.

Lakshmi Jyothi,
Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bibinagar, Yadadri Dist, Telangana, India.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/NVMMS-V2/article/view/13837