MONKEYPOX: AN EPIDEMIC TO BE KEPT UNDER CONTROL

Metodiev K. Monkeypox: An epidemic to be kept under control. International Journal of Infection. 2023;7(1):7-8.

K. Metodiev^*

Department of Preclinical and Clinical Sciences, University of Varna, Bulgaria.

*Correspondence to:
Prof. Krassimir Metodiev,
Department of Preclinical and Clinical Sciences,
University of Varna,
Varna, Bulgaria.
e-mail: kr.metod@yahoo.com

Received: 01 November, 2022 Accepted: 10 January, 2023

ISSN 1972-6945 [online] Copyright 2023 © by Biolife-publisher This publication and/or article is for individual use only and may not be further reproduced without written permission from the copyright holder. Unauthorized reproduction may result in financial and other penalties. Disclosure: all authors report no conflicts of interest relevant to this article.

KEYWORDS: Monkeypox, epidemic, virus, zoonotic, smallpox

INTRODUCTION

Monkeypox (MPX) is a rare zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus (1), which is a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Poxviridae family, Chordoxvirinae subfamily, and the Orthopoxvirus genus. MPX is closely related to the smallpox virus and causes a similar disease which is generally less serious. The smallpox vaccine is approximately 85% effective and protective even for MPX (2).  This viral zoonosis is transmitted to humans from animals and produces symptoms similar to those previously observed in smallpox patients, although clinically they are less severe.

DISCUSSION

MPX is found primarily in central and western Africa, often near tropical rainforests, and is now increasingly appearing in urban areas (3). In endemic areas, MPX circulation is usually caused by several mammals, including primates. MPX can spread directly from animals to humans through infected blood, meat, and body fluids, or through cutaneous or mucosal lesions. Human-to-human transmission can occur through sexual activity, respiratory droplets, and contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials like bedding. These transmissions support the viral epidemic.

The disease manifests the following initial generic symptoms: fever, drowsiness, myalgia, asthenia, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and skin rashes that tend to spread quickly to other parts of the body (4). The viral infection causes anogenital lesions, which can extend to the trunk, arms and legs, face, and palms of the hands and feet. The MPX rash goes through several stages before forming a scab and falling off. In addition, enanthema (rash) of the oral and ophthalmic mucosa may also be observed. The skin lesions, which can accumulate to reach hundreds, often present themselves first as macules, then evolve into papules, vesicles, pustules, and crusts, which subsequently fall off, marking the end of the contagious period (5).

The natural reservoir of MPX is still unknown, although African rodents and primates are suspected to host the virus. Individuals residing in at risk areas should avoid contact with animals that may harbor the virus. Isolation of infected patients and the use of smallpox vaccines, which provide some protection against MPX, are effective in combating the infection. Today, the JYNNEOS vaccine is being offered to individuals aged 18 and over who are at high risk of infection.

The MPX virus epidemic has recently expanded outside of Africa, highlighting the need for global surveillance and response strategies. The diagnosis is conducted with laboratory tests including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and virus isolation.

CONCLUSIONS                                                                                                                                                                                     

There is no specific treatment for this infection, but the use of general antivirals (such as tecovirimat) has been approved. However, rapid diagnosis, surveillance, monitoring of at-risk populations, and vaccinations help to control the infection. Further MPX research and the use of treatments, although they are non-specific, will continue to help prevent the spread of further infections.

Conflict of interest

The author declares that they have no conflict of interest.

REFERENCES

1. Petersen E, Kantele A, Koopmans M, et al. Human Monkeypox. Infectious Disease Clinics of North America. 2019;33(4):1027-1043. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.idc.2019.03.001
2. Chakraborty S, Mohapatra RK, Chandran D, et al. Monkeypox vaccines and vaccination strategies: Current knowledge and advances. An update – Correspondence. International Journal of Surgery. 2022;105:106869. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijsu.2022.106869
3. Al-Mandhari A, Kodama C, Abubakar A, Hajjeh R, Brennan R. Monkeypox outbreak and response efforts in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal. 2022;28(7):465-468. doi:https://doi.org/10.26719/2022.28.7.465
4. Ferreira E. The 2022 Monkeypox outbreak: How the medicinal chemistry could help us? Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry. 2022;73:117036-117036. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bmc.2022.117036
5. Mitjà O, Ogoina D, Titanji BK, et al. Monkeypox. The Lancet. 2022;401(10370). doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(22)02075-x