Monkeypox Research Articles

In silico development of a novel anti-mutation, multi-epitope mRNA vaccine against MPXV variants of emerging lineage and sub-lineages by using immunoinformatics approaches

Over the past year, an unexpected surge in human monkeypox (hMPX) cases has been observed. This outbreak differs from previous ones, displaying distinct epidemiological characteristics and transmission patterns, believed to be influenced by a newly emerging monkeypox virus (MPXV) lineage. Notably, this emerging MPXV lineage has exhibited several non-synonymous mutations, some of which are linked to immunomodulatory activities and antigenic characteristics that aid in host detection. However, specific treatments or vaccines for human monkeypox are currently lacking. Hence, we aim to develop a multi-epitope mRNA vaccine by using immunoinformatics approaches against the MPXV, particularly its emerging variants. Six proteins (A29L, A35R, B6R, M1R, H3L, and E8L) were chosen for epitope and mutation site identification. Seventeen top-performing epitopes and eight epitopes containing mutation sites were selected and combined with adjuvants, the PADRE sequence, and linkers for vaccine development. The molecular and physical properties of the designed vaccine (WLmpx) were favorable. Immunological characteristics of WLmpx were assessed through molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and immune simulations. Finally, the vaccine sequence was utilized to formulate an mRNA-based vaccine. The informatics-based predicted results indicated that the designed vaccine exhibits significant potential in eliciting high-level humoral and cellular immune responses, but further validation through in vivo and vitro studies is warranted. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Human Monkeypox with Positive VZV Antibodies in An Immunocompetent Heterosexual Male During a Travel in Rio De Janeiro- Brazil: A Coinfection Case Report

Human Monkeypox with Positive VZV Antibodies in An Immunocompetent Heterosexual Male During a Travel in Rio De Janeiro- Brazil: A Coinfection Case Report

A compartmental deterministic epidemiological model with non-linear differential equations for analyzing the co-infection dynamics between COVID-19, HIV, and Monkeypox diseases

One of the realities of the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic is the occurrence of infected individuals with COVID-19 and two other diseases, Monkeypox and HIV. This study presents a compartmental deterministic epidemiological model with non-linear differential equations to study the transmission dynamics of the co-infection of the three diseases. Rigorous analysis of the model shows that the disease-free equilibrium was locally and globally asymptotically stable when the associated reproduction number of the diseases was not up to unity, showing that the spread of the diseases and their co-circulation can be effectively controlled in this circumstance. Real-life data about the diseases are collated and fitted to the model through which values of key parameters of the model were estimated. These parameters’ values were used to carry out numerical simulations of the model using MATLAB and validate the qualitative results obtained earlier from the model. The numerical simulation of the model was used to explore the interactions and dynamics resulting from the co-infection of COVID-19, HIV, and Monkeypox in humans, including the reciprocal impacts of each of the diseases on the other two, their patterns of coexistence and their effects on the host. We developed a tool to help predict the co-infection of the three diseases. Through the insights gained in this study, recommendations were made to policymakers in the healthcare sector on how to combat effectively and adequately the co-infection of the three diseases in the human population and mitigate their disease burden.

Assessment of Monkeypox (MPOX) Knowledge and Vaccination Intention among Health and Life Sciences Students in Algeria: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Monkeypox (MPOX) is a viral zoonotic disease affecting endemically the Central and Western regions of Africa. The ongoing outbreak in non-endemic countries has made this disease a global concern. While no cases have been reported in Algeria, it is important to raise awareness about the disease to prepare for a potential outbreak, especially in light of the cases reported in neighboring Middle East and North African (MENA) countries. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of Algerian Health and Life Sciences students toward MPOX and its vaccine through an anonymous online survey. A total of 196 students participated in this study. Students of medicine (64.3%), females (85.7%), and those under 20 years of age (55.1%) were the most represented. The results revealed a low level of knowledge represented by a score of only 42.8% for correct answers with multiple gaps in epidemiology, etiology, and clinical manifestations of MPOX. Students of veterinary sciences showed the highest levels of knowledge (OR: 6.71; CI95%: 1.23-36.77), while those aged between 20 and 30 years old (OR: 0.11; CI95%: 0.02-0.79) and those vaccinated against seasonal flu (OR: 0.42; CI95%: 0.21-0.85) were associated with low levels of knowledge. Regarding MPOX vaccination, the study found a moderate level of acceptance (48.5%) among the surveyed students with Natural and Life Sciences students and those having a high vaccine conspiracy belief score (VCBS) showing the lowest level of acceptance. These findings highlight the need for educational programs and intensified public awareness campaigns to improve knowledge about MPOX and emphasize the importance of vaccination in preventing outbreaks and overcoming vaccine reluctance.

Emergence of Monkeypox (MPX): A Close Relative of Small Pox During COVID-19 Era.

After the eradication of smallpox (SPX), a new zoonotic threat that can trigger outbreaks has emerged. It may be fatal during the COVID19 outbreak. Humanity continues to be threatened due to re-emergence of the outbreaks. In most cases, new emerging viral agents originate from nonhuman hosts with zoonotic origins. Recent outbreaks of zoonotic infectious diseases with the potential to cause epidemics and pandemics continue to pose a major threat to the health security of entire regions, continents, and the world at large. Around five decades backthat Monkeypox (MPX) was reported for the first time in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and was then confined to Central Africa only. Over the time, it has spread to other regions of Africa as well as outside Africa. As of August 2022, 40398 infections have been confirmed in almost 68 countries that have never reported MPX before. The majority of infections have been reported in Europe and Southeast Asia. On 23rd August 2022, MPX was declared a public health emergency of international concern, a step below declaring any disease as a pandemic. The article discusses the recent history of MPX outbreaks, as well as the evolving clinical manifestations of the disease, and the possible causes of the increase in cases, including the cessation of SPX vaccinations.

Monkeypox: a concise review

Human monkeypox disease (mpox) has resurfaced recently as a public health emergency of international concern in the wake of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, spreading in endemic and nonendemic regions across the globe. The purpose of this concise review is to provide an overview of the background, cause, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mpox. The monkeypox virus (MPXV) is an enveloped double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) virus that belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family. In the past, mpox has been primarily a zoonotic disease that affected rural, forested areas in some African countries. There is no doubt that mpox is changing in many ways since the 2022 global outbreak, particularly human-to-human transmission of the disease through sexual contact and new clinical presentations. In spite of the fact that severity and prevalence of the disease vary by age and sex, some common symptoms are present in all patients. Many patients experience fever, muscle pain and headache, swollen lymph nodes, and skin rashes. A clinical sign can be followed by laboratory diagnostic tests such as conventional PCR or real-time PCR. Although there is no specific treatment for mpox, it can be effectively managed with the help of antivirals, smallpox vaccine, and vaccinia immune globulin.

Cases of Monkeypox show highly-overlapping co-infection with HIV and syphilis.

Ongoing Monkeypox (MPX) outbreaks in countries outside Africa have unique characteristics. However, data on cohorts of confirmed cases in China is limited. The study provides important epidemiological, diagnostic, and clinical information about this disease in China. We report a series of Chinese individuals with confirmed MPX infections identified at Beijing Youan Hospital (China) from June 10 to July 15, 2023. Samples were taken from the skin, anus, throat, and blood. An epidemiological questionnaire was used to collect demographic and clinical data. Further, we compared the MPX viral (MPXV) loads across different anatomical sites. 66 samples were collected from 20 patients, all of whom were cisgender men. Median patient age was 29 years. Notably, 19 (95%) patients reported unprotected sexual encounters with men in the preceding month, and 13 (65%) were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive. Among those with HIV, 12 (92%) were receiving antiretroviral therapy, and 11 (85%) had well-controlled infections (HIV viral load <40/mL). The median CD4+ T cell count was 667 cells/mm3. In the HIV-negative group, three (43%) patients were taking preexposure prophylaxis. Fifteen patients (75%) had concurrent sexually transmitted infections (50% had syphilis and 65% had HIV) and eight (40%) had HIV and syphilis co-infection. MPXV loads were significantly higher in samples from the skin (cycle threshold value [Ct value]: 19·0) and anus (Ct value: 23.0) compared to samples from the throat (Ct value: 31.0) or blood (Ct value: 34.5). All patients had skin lesions (85% of whom presented with anogenital lesions). Common systemic symptoms included fever (85%) and lymphadenopathy (55%). The median incubation period was 8 d [interquartile range (IQR): 6-16 d]. The median time from the onset of skin lesions to scab removal was 14 d (IQR: 10-16 d). No deaths or severe cases were reported. MPXV primarily affects young homosexual men. The high MPXV viral loads in skin and anal lesions indicate that transmission most likely occurs through direct and close body contact. This study also reports high rates of HIV and syphilis co-infection. Therefore, preventive efforts should focus on homosexual men.

Has Monkey Pox Got Viral: Is it time to Worry?

The world has seen a worldwide rise of Monkey pox infection since May 2022 and now has reached an endemic status in Africa. This situation has spurred concerns about the risk for another viral pandemic especially after experience of COVID 19. Though only 3 cases of Mpox have been detected in Pakistan so far ,but we need to be vigilant for any future outbreak as transmission and pathogenicity of this virus is increasing day by day. By this scoping review we would like to create an awareness for public and health workers regarding etiology, routes of transmission and susceptibility. Current clinical presentations, methods for diagnosis, available treatments and active immune prophylaxis are also considered. Readiness of health authorities in Pakistan to deal with any emerging epidemic, documented as set guidelines by National Institute of Health (NIH) will be discussed briefly and few recommendations are put forward. Different search engines (Google Scholar, PubMed) and databases like SCOPUS are used for extracting relevant information. The need of this narrative review is to compile worldwide guidelines and strategies on dealing with Mpox virus as a proactive approach.

Knowledge and preventive practices related to Monkey pox among medical doctors in Sokoto metropolis of Sokoto State, Nigeria

Background: For effective control of Monkey pox (Mpox), clinicians need to have adequate knowledge of the disease and adopt appropriate practices to contain it. This study sought to assess the knowledge and practices of medical doctors regarding Monkey pox.&#x0D; Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional design was utilized for the study and using a two stage sampling method, 210 medical doctors working in Sokoto metropolis were recruited into the study. A set of structured, pretested and self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information from the study participants. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS computer software version 23 with level of statistical significance set at p&lt;0.05&#x0D; Results: All the respondents were aware of Mpox with more than half (52.3%) having the internet as their commonest source of information. The majority, ((72%) of the clinicians had good knowledge and only years of working experience was significantly associated with knowledge of the disease. Preventive practices were well exhibited by all the respondents with the majority (73%) having appropriate preventive practices.&#x0D; Conclusion and recommendation: This study has demonstrated good knowledge towards Mpox by clinicians in Sokoto metropolis, with a greater majority exhibiting appropriate preventive practices. Sustained awareness and retraining of health care workers in general is necessary to maintain the tempo of high index of suspicion for outbreaks of Mpox and other potential epidemics and also regular use of personal protective equipment

Comparative genome analysis reveals driving forces behind Monkeypox virus evolution and sheds light on the role of ATC trinucleotide motif.

Monkeypox (MPOX), a zoonotic disease originating in Western and Central Africa in 1970, has seen a recent surge in outbreaks across 100+ countries. A comparative analysis of 404 Monkeypox virus (MPXV) genomes revealed notable changes in microsatellite abundance and density, especially within Clades I, IIa, and IIb. Each clade exhibited unique microsatellite motifs, with twenty-six conserved loci specific to MPXV, suggesting their potential as molecular markers in diagnostics. Additionally, nine genes in the MPXV genome featured ten variable hotspot microsatellite regions associated with surface protein synthesis and host control. Notably, gene OPG153, especially at the SSR locus '(ATC)n', exhibited the most pronounced variations among lineages over time and plays a role in virus pathogenesis within the host cell. These findings not only enhance our understanding of MPXV unique molecular profile but also offer valuable insights into potential pathogenic and evolutionary implications.

Human Monkeypox Virus and Host Immunity: New Challenges in Diagnostics and Treatment Strategies.

The monkeypox virus (MPXV), responsible for human disease, has historically been limited to the African countries, with only a few isolated instances reported elsewhere in the world. Nevertheless, in recent years, there have been occurrences of monkeypox in regions where the disease is typically absent, which has garnered global interest. Within a period of less than four months, the incidence of MPXV infections has surged to over 48,000 cases, resulting in a total of 13 deaths. This chapter has addressed the genetics of the pox virus, specifically the human monkeypox virus, and its interaction with the immune systems of host organisms. The present chapter is skillfully constructed, encompassing diagnostic methodologies that span from traditional to developing molecular techniques. Furthermore, the chapter provides a succinct analysis of the therapeutic methods employed, potential future developments, and the various emerging difficulties encountered in illness management.

Recently Added Frameshift Mutation in Human Monkeypox Virus (hMPXV) OPG191 Gene.

Recently Added Frameshift Mutation in Human Monkeypox Virus (hMPXV) OPG191 Gene.

Biological Characteristics and Pathogenesis of Monkeypox Virus: An Overview.

Although the smallpox virus has been eradicated worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about the virus's potential to propagate globally. The WHO labeled monkeypox a world public health emergency in July 2022, requiring urgent prevention and treatment. The monkeypox virus is a part of the Poxviridae family, Orthopoxvirus genus, and is accountable for smallpox, which has killed over a million people in the past. Natural hosts of the virus include squirrels, Gambian rodents, chimpanzees, and other monkeys. The monkeypox virus has transmitted to humans through primary vectors (various animal species) and secondary vectors, including direct touch with lesions, breathing particles from body fluids, and infected bedding. The viral particles are ovoid or brick-shaped, 200-250 nm in diameter, contain a single double-stranded DNA molecule, and reproduce only in the cytoplasm of infected cells. Monkeypox causes fever, cold, muscle pains, headache, fatigue, and backache. The phylogenetic investigation distinguished between two genetic clades of monkeypox: the more pathogenic Congo Basin clade and the West Africa clade. In recent years, the geographical spread of the human monkeypox virus has accelerated despite a paucity of information regarding the disease's emergence, ecology, and epidemiology. Using lesion samples and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the monkeypox virus was diagnosed. In the USA, the improved Ankara vaccine can now be used to protect people who are at a higher risk of getting monkeypox. Antivirals that we have now work well against smallpox and may stop the spread of monkeypox, but there is no particular therapy for monkeypox.

Perceptions and Knowledge of Public Towards Emerging Human Monkeypox in Yemen: A Cross-Sectional Study [Response to Letter

Perceptions and Knowledge of Public Towards Emerging Human Monkeypox in Yemen: A Cross-Sectional Study [Response to Letter

Monkeypox: red alert for the dentists?

Abstract COVID-19 pandemic is persisting around the world, meanwhile another threat to public health is Monkeypox, a viral zoonotic disease that has exploded, leading to the rise in unpredictable clinical cases from non-endemic countries along with the already-known endemic countries for it. In this article, we have discussed about the 2022 outbreak of human Monkeypox and its entanglement for dental practice including the role of the dentist for early detection, diagnosis, and management of this multi-country disease.

An updated review of human monkeypox disease: A new potential global hazard

An updated review of human monkeypox disease: A new potential global hazard

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical students on human Monkeypox in Southern Vietnam

This study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices on Human Monkeypox among medical students in Southern Vietnam. A total of 556 medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, Tra Vinh University participated and completed a structured questionnaire about knowledge-attitude-practice on Human Monkeypox. Results: The proportion of female students having good knowledge (88.9%) was higher than that of male students (69.5%), however, the difference was not significant (p&gt;0.05). Meanwhile, the proportion of students having good knowledge increased from the fresh year (72.8%) to the 6th year (92.0%) (p&lt;0.05). Overall, 80,8% of medical students had good knowledge and 87.6% of students had good practice. To conclude, the knowledge-attitude-practice of me dical students with Human Monkeypox was at a good level.

Monkeypox and the eye.

KEYWORDS&#x0D; monkey pox, Orthopoxviruses, transmission, communicable disease, conjunctivitides, blepharitides, scleritides, keratitides, uveitides, acquired blindness, pandemic, COVID 19

Monkey Pox: An Emerging Outbreak

Monkeypox is a viral disease, with very rare cases. It has gained attention because of its similarities to smallpox. It was diagnosed in 1958 for the first time in monkeys and then later this disease effected people of Africa who were living in the western and central parts of Africa. The virus is liable for monkeypox, an orthopoxvirus, and is generally transmitted to people through contact with animals such as rodents, monkeys, and different wildlife. Human-to-human transmission can occur, mainly in localized outbreaks. Although monkeypox is sporadic and typically considered a zoonotic disease, it has caused epidemics in Central and West Africa. These outbreaks are often connected to close touch with infected animals, especially in rural communities. Some common symptoms include rash, fever, and pustules. While the mortality rate of this disease is 1-10% which is less than small pox. Treatment includes addressing signs such as fever, pain, and skin lesions. Patients may also require hospitalization, especially if they develop extreme complications, and have to be isolated to prevent human-to-human transmission. Research into antiviral medicinal drugs and vaccines is ongoing; however, in September 2021, no licensed monkeypox-specific antiviral drugs or vaccines were available. Preventing monkeypox generally includes decreasing the risk of exposure to the virus. Key preventive measures include people in endemic regions reducing contact with animals that carry the virus, including rodents and monkeys. This review provides an overview of monkeypox, focusing on its epidemiology, treatment, and prevention strategies.

An Ayurvedic approach in Monkey Pox - A Review

Monkey pox is a zoonotic sickness brought about by the monkey pox infection, an orthopoxvirus in the poxviradae family. With its rising dreariness and low casualty rate, it has become endemic all through Focal and West Africa. It signifies a fever, extreme cerebral pain, body ache, enlarged lymph hubs, and a skin rash or sores. Side effects can wait for quite a long time, slowly debilitating the invulnerable framework and ultimately influencing patients with skin diseases, pneumonia, confusion, and eye contaminations that can prompt visual impairment. Ayurveda is an old study of medication in light areas of strength for of firm rules that have shown its preventive and healing viability for the vast majority Anukta Vyadhi's kin enduring today. Ayurvedic analytic and treatment highlights of such Anukta messes have previously been analyzed as far as Dosha pervasiveness. Thus, a coordinated methodology is expected for the fix of monkey pox to further develop the patient's personal satisfaction. In Ayurveda, such popular diseases are delegated Sankramaka Roga, and their side effects are related with Ayurvedic sicknesses, for example, Sannipatika Jwara, Samshoshi Jwara, Masurika, and Brihat Masurika. The objective of this audit is to find an Ayurvedic technique to diagnosing and treating monkey pox ailment. Alongside this preventive methodology utilizing Ayurveda, which is fundamental to stay solid under such pandemic as well as endemic circumstances, is talked about.