Monkeypox

Mpox study reveals hidden infections may fuel spread

Fire-footed rope squirrels identified as a natural reservoir for monkeypox virus

Research reveals fire-footed rope squirrels are a natural reservoir for the monkeypox virus, with evidence of interspecies transmission detected in Côte d'Ivoire. The study underscores the need for awareness among humans interacting with wildlife and deeper understanding of MPXV ecology to develop effective prevention measures.

58% of patients affected by 2022 mpox outbreak report lasting physical symptoms

A cohort study of over 300 adults found that 58% of those diagnosed with mpox during the 2022 outbreak still experienced lingering physical effects, including appearance-related changes and anorectal or urinary problems. The study provides context on the enduring physical and psychosocial effects of mpox.

Shifting pathways: Community and healthcare-associated transmission of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Europe

Researchers describe first reported mpox transmission of clade Ib in a healthcare setting outside Africa, with Ireland's nosocomial outbreak linked to local cases. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, community transmission shifted from sexual to non-sexual routes, driven by factors like overcrowding and child malnutrition.

NEJM Evidence and CIDRAP announce Public Health Alerts

Public Health Alerts provide concise, data-driven information on disease outbreaks and urgent health events. The new series, launched by NEJM Evidence and CIDRAP, offers expert-reviewed reports to support public health evidence-based care.

AI tips off scientists to new drug target to fight, treat mpox

Researchers used AI to identify a new viral surface protein that triggers the production of neutralizing antibodies, offering a breakthrough for developing effective vaccines and antibody therapies. The discovery could also provide insights into treating smallpox, a related virus posing a bioterrorism risk.

A survival kit for smallpox viruses

Researchers at University of Würzburg uncover a previously unknown type of assembly chaperone in poxviruses, formed by an RNA molecule called tRNA. This discovery sheds light on the complex process of gene expression in viruses and could pave the way for new drugs against poxviruses.

Using viral load tests to help predict mpox severity when skin lesions first appear

Researchers analyzed viral loads during early infection to predict disease progression and developed a method to identify patients at risk of severe symptoms. The study suggests that patients with high viral loads are more likely to experience long-lasting skin lesions and severe symptoms.

Genomic data shows widespread mpox transmission in West Africa prior to 2022 global outbreak

A new study published in Nature reveals that mpox was circulating among humans in Nigeria for eight years before the international outbreak in 2022. The research team analyzed 118 viral genomes from human mpox cases and found that most of the samples were the result of human-to-human transmission.

Evaluating the safety and efficacy of a smallpox vaccine for preventing mpox

Researchers from Japan evaluate the LC16m8 vaccine, an attenuated vaccinia virus strain, for its efficacy and safety against mpox. The study confirms the vaccine's ability to induce strong immune responses and protect against mpox in mice, monkeys, and humans.

Mpox could become a serious global threat, scientists warn

Researchers at the University of Surrey warn that mpox's sustained human-to-human transmission poses a significant risk to global health. The virus can cause a painful rash, fever, and swollen glands, and has the potential to spread among children, who are at greater risk of serious illness.

Study evaluates airborne transmission risk of mpox compared to COVID-19 and smallpox

A collaborative research effort has provided new insights into the likelihood of mpox spreading by airborne respiratory particles, comparing it to SARS-CoV-2 and smallpox. The study suggests that future viral evolution could alter this dynamic, underscoring the need for continued surveillance.

Charité study yields new data on Mpox vaccine effectiveness

A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that a single dose of the Imvanex vaccine provides 84% protection against Mpox for HIV-negative individuals, but offers limited protection for those living with HIV. The study recommends that all at-risk groups, particularly those with HIV, receive two doses of the vaccine to ac...

Metallo-supramolecular complexes enantioselectively target monkeypox virus mRNA G-quadruplex and inhibit monkeypox virus replication by increasing the immune response

Researchers designed metallo-supramolecular complexes that selectively bind to MPXV mRNA G4, modulating A5L protein expression and immune response activation. These findings highlight the significance of G4s in viral immunodominant protein expression and offer potential avenues for developing antiviral therapeutics.

Optical biosensor rapidly detects monkeypox virus

A new optical biosensor can detect the monkeypox virus within two minutes, allowing for rapid diagnosis and treatment. The technology has the potential to curb the spread of mpox and prepare for future pandemics, especially in countries with sparse healthcare resources.

Mpox clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies

A new study explores Mpox clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies for patients with severe immunocompromised conditions. The study emphasizes the importance of supportive care and advanced therapeutics as first-line treatments.

Decline of mpox antibody responses after modified vaccinia Ankara–Bavarian Nordic vaccination

Participants who received 2 doses of MVA-BN vaccine showed comparable or lower mpox antibody responses at 12 months compared to those receiving 1 dose. Protective immunity may be waning in individuals vaccinated with this vaccine, according to a recent study.

Unnecessary isolation for mpox may be reduced by adopting testing-based protocols

A Nagoya University study suggests adopting testing-based protocols to minimize both premature and prolonged isolation for mpox patients. The approach characterizes viral shedding dynamics to optimize isolation strategies, potentially reducing patient isolation times by more than a week on average.

Smallpox vaccination in childhood could offer protection against monkeypox clade II viruses, study finds

A European study found that prior smallpox vaccination in childhood could offer protection against infections caused by monkeypox virus (MPXV) clade II in men. The estimated degree of protection varied among countries, highlighting the need for further research.

Pathogen prioritization for wastewater surveillance ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, France

Researchers identified six priority pathogens for WWS during the Paris 2024 Games, including poliovirus, influenza A virus, and SARS-CoV-2. The study offers a model framework for context-specific WWS targets in mass gatherings.

RecombinHunt: predicting new pandemics through data analysis

Recombinhunt, a new data-driven method, identifies recombinant SARS-CoV-2 genomes with one or two breakpoints, offering high specificity and sensitivity. The approach also detects viral genomes from the monkeypox epidemic with high concordance.

Mpox continues to circulate at low numbers among gay and bisexual men who have sex with men

Researchers tracked mpox cases in a surveillance network of 13 emergency departments, finding three new cases among gay and bisexual men who have sex with men. The study highlights the need for vigilance and vaccination to prevent further transmission.

Factors potentially contributing to the decline of the mpox outbreak in the Netherlands, 2022 and 2023

The 2022-2023 mpox outbreak in the Netherlands declined due to infection-induced immunity in high-risk groups, highlighting the importance of prompt vaccination implementation and ongoing surveillance. The study recommends swift vaccination programs and continuous monitoring to mitigate future outbreaks.

New research defines specific genomic changes associated with the transmissibility of the monkeypox virus

Researchers identified alterations in the monkeypox virus genome that correlate with increased transmissibility, shedding light on the 2022 outbreak. The study's findings may help develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Gay and bisexual men diagnosed with mpox faced substantial stigma

A new study found that gay and bisexual men who contracted mpox during the 2022 UK outbreak experienced substantial stigma and poor-quality care when accessing services. The research highlights the importance of involving affected communities in responses to outbreaks and improving quality of care for emerging infectious diseases.

Case report from Austria shows mpox breakthrough infection in man who had received both vaccine doses

Austrian researchers report a breakthrough mpox infection in a fully vaccinated man who received two doses of the Jynneos vaccine. The case highlights the potential durability of protective immunity after complete vaccination and emphasizes the importance of clinical suspicion in high-risk groups.

Study shows Mpox (monkeypox) antibodies wane within a year of vaccination

Researchers found that Mpox antibodies decrease significantly within a year of MVA-BN vaccination, especially in individuals without prior smallpox vaccination. In contrast, antibody levels remained high in those with childhood smallpox vaccination, suggesting long-term protection.

Swedish study indicates a significant decline of neutralising antibodies to monkeypox virus already during the first month after vaccination

A Swedish study reveals that neutralising antibodies to the monkeypox virus decline significantly after two doses of the MVA-BN vaccine within the first month. The findings suggest that a booster dose may be necessary to maintain immunity, emphasizing the need for scientific evidence before policy decisions are made.

Faster monkeypox (mpox) testing through CRISPR

Researchers developed a faster test for mpox using CRISPR and nanopore sensing technology, which can detect the virus in 32-55 minutes, compared to hours of current lab testing. The test is specific to mpox and was confirmed not to detect other viruses.

Identity concealment in sexual minority men may have impeded mpox care

A study published in Psychological Science found that openly gay, bisexual and other sexual minority men were more likely to seek care for mpox during the global outbreak. The researchers suggest that this may be due to an information gap, with community-connected resources being crucial for those who conceal their sexual orientation.

Smallpox vaccine efficiently induces immunity against monkeypox virus infection in people living with HIV

Researchers found that intradermal administration of the JYNNEOS smallpox vaccine induces an efficient immune response, protecting people living with HIV from contracting the monkeypox virus. Individuals with low CD4 T cell levels require a booster dose to compensate for their immunosuppressed status.

Mpox (monkeypox) vaccine triggers equally strong immune response in smaller than usual doses and in people with or without HIV

A new study found that a smaller dose of the mpox vaccine, administered in two doses spread out over weeks to months, produced a detectable immune response similar to the full FDA-approved dose. This was true for people with or without HIV, and those previously vaccinated against smallpox also had a stronger immune response.

Lab-grown skin helps unlock secrets of mpox virus infection

Researchers have developed a lab-grown human skin model that effectively replicates mpox virus infections, providing insights into the virus's mechanisms of attack on skin cells. The study reveals how the virus causes disease and identifies potential therapeutic targets, including an antiviral drug called tecovirimat.

Unveiling Australia’s fastest next-gen mpox diagnostic tool

A new CRISPR-based diagnostic tool, MPXV-CRISPR, has been developed in Australia to detect the monkeypox virus with high precision and speed. The tool can detect the virus in clinical samples in just 45 minutes, making it faster than current methods.

New MIT Press journal Rapid Reviews\Infectious Diseases will extend fight against disinformation to more infectious diseases and emerging pandemics

Rapid Reviews Infectious Diseases will extend the successful preprint review model of Rapid Reviews COVID-19 to new research on infectious diseases like monkeypox, dengue fever, or herpes. The journal aims to accelerate the validation and diffusion of robust scientific findings through rapid peer review.

Treatments for poxviruses – including those causing mpox and smallpox – may already exist in licensed drugs

Researchers identified a new approach to treat poxviruses by targeting a cellular protein, making the virus more susceptible to natural defences. Existing immunosuppressive drugs can restrict replication and spread of poxviruses.

Monkeypox: Characterization of post-infectious immune response

Scientists studied 470 sera from vaccinated or MPXV-infected individuals to elucidate mechanisms involved in post-infectious immune response. The study revealed the role of complement and analyzed immune responses in vaccinated or infected individuals, with robust levels of anti-MVA antibodies detected after infection or vaccination.

Multi-valent mRNA vaccines against monkeypox enveloped or mature viron surface antigens for enhanced protection

The study developed multi-valent mRNA vaccines targeting monkeypox enveloped or mature viron surface antigens, inducing dynamic immune responses with robust IgG and neutralizing activities. The vaccines protected a mouse model from lethal VACV challenge.

Study develops primer scheme for human monkeypox virus that can be plugged into currently existing amplicon-based sequencing and bioinformatics infrastructure

Researchers developed a primer scheme for the human monkeypox virus that can be easily integrated into existing sequencing and bioinformatics infrastructure. This approach enables public health laboratories to rapidly adapt their genomic workflows in response to new outbreaks.

Previous smallpox vaccine provides immunity to mpox

Researchers from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden report that individuals vaccinated against smallpox decades ago retain cross-reactive immunity to mpox. The study found that previous smallpox vaccination provides about 80% protection against mpox.

Monkeypox viruses relatively stable on surfaces

Researchers found that monkeypox viruses remain infectious for a long time on surfaces, with some concentrations dropping significantly after five days. Disinfectants like alcohol-based and aldehyde-based cleaners reliably reduced the risk of infection.

Mpox antiviral outcomes are similar regardless of HIV status

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that patients with well-controlled HIV responded similarly to those without HIV to tecovirimat treatment. Nearly all patients, regardless of HIV status, were pain-free by the end of the treatment regimen.

Scientists from IOCB Prague move closer to developing a drug not only against monkeypox

Researchers deciphered the structure of the protein methyltransferase from the monkeypox virus, identifying a target for antiviral drugs. The findings may lead to the creation of new antivirals effective against not only monkeypox but also COVID-19.

NIH trial evaluating mpox vaccine in adolescents

The NIH is conducting a clinical trial to evaluate the JYNNEOS mpox vaccine's safety and immune response in adolescents aged 12-17. The trial, launched at George Washington University, aims to determine if the vaccine can protect teens from this painful and sometimes deadly disease.

Why did the mpox (monkeypox) epidemic wane? Belgian researchers propose theory

Researchers suggest that 'network immunity', generated by core members of the sexual network, halted the mpox epidemic. The theory proposes that as core members were infected first, they developed infection-induced immunity which slowed transmission.

Virtual wards are safe and effective for treatment of individuals with mpox

A UK study found that virtual wards can safely manage most individuals with mpox, saving an estimated 2,100 hospital bed days. The virtual ward model was widely adopted in the UK to respond to the 2022 global outbreak of mpox.

Known active ingredient as new drug candidate against “monkeypox”

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have identified nitroxoline as a potential treatment alternative for mpox. The antibiotic demonstrates effectiveness against both the current mpox virus and a tecovirimat-resistant strain, offering a promising solution to combat the outbreak.

TikTok health information videos on Mpox often inaccurate and of poor quality

A recent analysis found that TikTok health information videos on Mpox are often inaccurate, incomplete, and of poor quality. This poses significant risks to public health, particularly during outbreaks.

Clinicians identify severe form of mpox with high mortality in people with advanced HIV

A study has identified a severe form of mpox with a 15% mortality rate in people with advanced HIV disease and immunosuppression. The researchers recommend adding this form of mpox to the list of AIDS-defining conditions to guide management of immunocompromised individuals.

NIH scientists develop mouse model to study mpox virulence

Scientists have developed a mouse model of mpox virus, revealing differences in virulence among genetic groups. The new model shows that the current outbreak strain, clade IIb, has a significantly lower mortality rate than previous strains.

LJI scientists confirm smallpox vaccine also teaches T cells to fight mpox

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have confirmed that the smallpox vaccine MVA-BN (JYNNEOS) can teach T cells to recognize and fight the mpox virus. The study suggests that the JYNNEOS vaccine may provide protection against severe disease and could be effective in immunocompromised individuals.

Monkeypox vaccine modelling study provides road map for vaccination

A modelling study allocates vaccines to cities with higher epidemic potential and more initial cases. This maximizes the impact of a limited supply. The study emphasizes global vaccine equity and a population-level perspective in responding to outbreaks.

Mechanism discovered that helps viruses like monkeypox to block and evade our cellular defence system

Scientists have identified a protein complex called Ku that helps human cells detect viral DNA, and discovered how viral proteins can block this detection. The findings offer a new approach to improving the response to infections caused by viruses like monkeypox.

The current emergence of monkeypox: The recurrence of another smallpox?

The current monkeypox outbreak has drawn comparisons to smallpox due to its similarities in epidemiology, pathology, and clinical features. The authors review the virology, transmission, and prevention strategies for the virus, considering whether it poses a risk of another global pandemic.

WHO-recommended hand disinfectants inactivate monkeypox viruses

Two WHO-recommended hand disinfectants have been shown to effectively inactivate the monkeypox virus, with ethanol and isopropanol concentrations of 40-60% being particularly effective. The critical factor in determining their efficacy is the concentration of these ingredients.

First study of monkeypox infection in women provides new insights to inform public health response to ongoing outbreak

A global case series of monkeypox infection in cisgender and transgender women and non-binary individuals provides valuable insights into risk factors, routes of transmission, and clinical features. The study highlights the need for education among healthcare professionals to accurately diagnose and prevent transmission.

Ulcer at corner of mouth as first sign of infection with monkeypox virus

A case study reports an HIV-positive patient with a painful ulcer at the corner of their mouth as the first sign of monkeypox infection. The patient received antiviral treatment and made a recovery.

Contact tracing and exposure investigation framework helped to mitigate spread of monkeypox in the U.S.

A large contact tracing investigation found no secondary cases of monkeypox, informing estimates of exposure risk and postexposure prophylaxis recommendations. The framework's ease of application and cross-setting use has important applications for future infection prevention efforts.

Skin changes in monkeypox in the genital area

A case study presents a 30-year-old man with painful itchy skin lesions primarily in the genital region, which evolved into centrally indented papules and hemorrhagic crusts. PCR analysis confirmed the diagnosis of West African variant monkeypox, highlighting the importance of considering clinical courses during outbreaks.

New monkeypox study increases concerns of potential escalation in central Africa

A new assessment of monkeypox infections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo shows rising transmission rates, approaching the point where outbreaks are likely to be larger and more frequent. The study highlights the potential for sustained local outbreaks and increased risks of new outbreaks globally.