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Sexually Transmitted Infections Jun 2024The 2022 global outbreak of monkeypox virus (MPXV), previously confined to Central and West Africa, necessitates an enhanced understanding of its spread. Comprehensive...
OBJECTIVES
The 2022 global outbreak of monkeypox virus (MPXV), previously confined to Central and West Africa, necessitates an enhanced understanding of its spread. Comprehensive genomic surveillance to understand the virus's evolution and spread is needed, particularly in Asia.
METHODS
Genomic data from 169 MPXV genome sequences in Asia were analysed. Through advanced genomic sequencing of clinical samples, we analysed the distribution and mutations of MPXV lineages in Asia.
RESULTS
Phylogenetic analysis revealed a distinct clustering of C.1 strains rise in Northeast Asia in 2023, while genomic examination identified specific consensus mutations like R84K, R665C and L16F in C.1 strains. The mutations, coupled with an increased rate of apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing catalytic polypeptide-like 3 motif G-to-A mutations in C.1 (OR 24.87±8.81), indicate a potential adaptation mechanism.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings underscore the need for ongoing surveillance and provide vital insights into MPXV's evolving dynamics, aiding in public health strategy formulation against this emerging infectious threat.
PubMed: 38914476
DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2024-056119 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2024While the world struggles to recover from the devastation wrought by the widespread spread of COVID-19, monkeypox virus has emerged as a new global pandemic threat. In...
While the world struggles to recover from the devastation wrought by the widespread spread of COVID-19, monkeypox virus has emerged as a new global pandemic threat. In this paper, a high precision and lightweight classification network MpoxNet based on ConvNext is proposed to meet the need of fast and safe detection of monkeypox classification. In this method, a two-branch depth-separable convolution residual Squeeze and Excitation module is designed. This design aims to extract more feature information with two branches, and greatly reduces the number of parameters in the model by using depth-separable convolution. In addition, our method introduces a convolutional attention module to enhance the extraction of key features within the receptive field. The experimental results show that MpoxNet has achieved remarkable results in monkeypox disease classification, the accuracy rate is 95.28%, the precision rate is 96.40%, the recall rate is 93.00%, and the F1-Score is 95.80%. This is significantly better than the current mainstream classification model. It is worth noting that the FLOPS and the number of parameters of MpoxNet are only 30.68% and 31.87% of those of ConvNext-Tiny, indicating that the model has a small computational burden and model complexity while efficient performance.
Topics: Mpox (monkeypox); Humans; Neural Networks, Computer; COVID-19; Algorithms; SARS-CoV-2; Monkeypox virus; Deep Learning
PubMed: 38912211
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1397316 -
Antiviral Research Jun 2024Poxviruses gained international attention due to the sharp rise in monkeypox cases in recent years, highlighting the urgent need for the development of a secure and...
Poxviruses gained international attention due to the sharp rise in monkeypox cases in recent years, highlighting the urgent need for the development of a secure and reliable vaccine. This study involved the development of an innovative combined subunit vaccine (CSV) targeting poxviruses, with lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) serving as the model virus. To this end, the potential sites for poxvirus vaccines were fully evaluated to develop and purify four recombinant proteins. These proteins were then successfully delivered to the dermis in a mouse model by utilizing dissolvable microneedle patches (DMPs). This approach simplified the vaccination procedure and significantly mitigated the associated risk. CSV-loaded DMPs contained four recombinant proteins and a novel adjuvant, CpG, which allowed DMPs to elicit the same intensity of humoral and cellular immunity as subcutaneous injection. Following immunization with SC and DMP, the mice exhibited notable levels of neutralizing antibodies, albeit at a low concentration. It is noteworthy that the CSV loaded into DMPs remained stable for at least 4 months at room temperature, effectively addressing the storage and transportation challenges. Based on the study findings, CSV-loaded DMPs are expected to be utilized worldwide as an innovative technique for poxvirus inoculation, especially in underdeveloped regions. This novel strategy is crucial for the development of future poxvirus vaccines.
PubMed: 38909959
DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105943 -
Cureus May 2024Monkeypox (Mpox) is a rare viral disease that presents considerable challenges in healthcare settings, necessitating enhanced nursing care for effective management. This... (Review)
Review
Monkeypox (Mpox) is a rare viral disease that presents considerable challenges in healthcare settings, necessitating enhanced nursing care for effective management. This review thoroughly explores key aspects related to improving nursing care for Mpox. It commences by examining the background information on Mpox, encompassing its etiology, epidemiology, and modes of transmission. The differential diagnosis of Mpox is investigated, elucidating its clinical presentation, symptoms, and diagnostic methods to differentiate it from similar conditions. Prevention and control measures at both the public health and healthcare levels are scrutinized, including surveillance and reporting, contact tracing, isolation, and vaccination programs. In healthcare settings, infection prevention and control strategies, such as proper utilization of personal protective equipment, hand hygiene, and environmental management, are discussed. Furthermore, therapeutic interventions for Mpox, including symptomatic management, antiviral therapy, and supportive care, are outlined, with a specific emphasis on pain management, fever control, and psychosocial support. Nursing care strategies encompass patient assessment and monitoring, infection prevention strategies, psychosocial support, and patient education. The challenges encountered in enhancing nursing care for Mpox are acknowledged, along with research gaps and areas for further investigation. Finally, innovations in nursing practice for improved care, such as technology integration and simulation-based training, are explored. Enhancing nursing care in Mpox is crucial for positive patient outcomes, reducing transmission risks, and promoting overall well-being. By addressing the unique challenges, conducting further research, and embracing innovative practices, healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, can provide optimal care and contribute to better management of Mpox cases.
PubMed: 38903311
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60724 -
MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly... Jun 2024Tecovirimat is the first-line antiviral treatment recommended for severe mpox or for persons with mpox who are at risk for severe disease; tecovirimat is available in...
Tecovirimat is the first-line antiviral treatment recommended for severe mpox or for persons with mpox who are at risk for severe disease; tecovirimat is available in the United States under an expanded access investigational new drug (IND) protocol. During the 2022-2023 mpox outbreak, local U.S. health jurisdictions facilitated access to tecovirimat. In June 2022, Los Angeles County (LAC) rapidly developed strategies for tecovirimat distribution using existing medical countermeasure distribution networks established by the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program and the Hospital Preparedness Program, creating a hub and spoke distribution network consisting of 44 hub facilities serving 456 satellite sites across LAC. IND patient intake forms were analyzed to describe mpox patients treated with tecovirimat. Tecovirimat treatment data were matched with case surveillance data to calculate time from specimen collection to patients receiving tecovirimat. Among 2,281 patients with mpox in LAC, 735 (32%) received tecovirimat during June 2022-January 2023. Among treated patients, approximately two thirds (508; 69%) received treatment through community clinics and pharmacies. The median interval from specimen collection to treatment was 2 days (IQR = 0-5 days). Local data collection and analysis helped to minimize gaps in treatment access and facilitated network performance monitoring. During public health emergencies, medical countermeasures can be rapidly deployed across a large jurisdiction using existing distribution networks, including clinics and pharmacies.
Topics: Humans; Disease Outbreaks; Los Angeles; Middle Aged; Adult; Adolescent; Female; Male; Young Adult; Aged; Antiviral Agents; Child; Mpox (monkeypox); Child, Preschool; Infant; Pyrrolidines; Benzamides; Aged, 80 and over; Phthalimides
PubMed: 38900699
DOI: 10.15585/mmwr,mm7324a2 -
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal Jun 2024In 2022, a marked escalation in Monkeypox (Mpox) cases was observed in nonendemic regions, notably South America, despite the virus being traditionally endemic to...
BACKGROUND
In 2022, a marked escalation in Monkeypox (Mpox) cases was observed in nonendemic regions, notably South America, despite the virus being traditionally endemic to Central and West Africa. This unexpected shift necessitated a deeper exploration of the novel transmission dynamics, including breastfeeding, given the emerging evidence of potential horizontal and vertical Mpox transmission during mother-infant interactions.
RESEARCH AIM
The study aimed to critically evaluate existing evidence on potential horizontal and vertical Mpox transmission related to breastfeeding and to assess guidelines in South American countries regarding Mpox prevention during breastfeeding.
METHODS
A scoping review and evidence mapping were conducted, adhering to the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guideline. Data extraction involved identifying primary studies evaluating breastfeeding as a transmission route. Additionally, official documents from South American Health Ministries detailing guidelines or policies on breastfeeding in the context of maternal Mpox infection were reviewed.
RESULTS
Three out of 215 studies were found relevant; 2 were case reports, and 1 was a laboratory study. Available evidence suggests that contamination could likely occur horizontally through skin-to-skin contact. Six South American countries had issued guidelines on breastfeeding during Mpox infection, but the guidance varied and was not consistent across the region.
CONCLUSIONS
The study emphasizes the need for clear and consistent guidelines on breastfeeding during Mpox outbreaks, particularly in South America. Collaborative strategies and regular research updates will be essential in addressing the ongoing public health challenge.
PubMed: 38900066
DOI: 10.1097/INF.0000000000004432 -
Environment International May 2024The Chicago Department of Public Health tested wastewater samples for the presence of Monkeypox Virus (MPXV) from March 13 through June 26, 2023. There were persistent...
The Chicago Department of Public Health tested wastewater samples for the presence of Monkeypox Virus (MPXV) from March 13 through June 26, 2023. There were persistent detections prior to reported cases. This indicated the baseline levels of MPXV prevalence might warrant routine monitoring. Detections in areas without corresponding reported clinical cases might highlight areas where cases are being under-reported by traditional surveillance.
PubMed: 38885552
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108749 -
Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and... Jun 2024A case of mpox pharyngitis in absence of cutaneous lesions is reported. Usually, clinical presentation is either a cutaneous eruption or a combination of cutaneous and...
A case of mpox pharyngitis in absence of cutaneous lesions is reported. Usually, clinical presentation is either a cutaneous eruption or a combination of cutaneous and mucosal lesions. In patients with atypical pharyngitis, regardless of the presence of skin lesions, pharyngeal swabs should be collected to rule out mpox.
PubMed: 38883515
DOI: 10.1007/s12070-024-04567-1 -
International Journal of Infectious... Jun 2024Monkeypox (Mpox) is a neglected viral endemic tropical disease in both Central and Western African countries transmitted to humans by an animal. However, the natural...
Monkeypox (Mpox) is a neglected viral endemic tropical disease in both Central and Western African countries transmitted to humans by an animal. However, the natural reservoir of the virus remains elusive. In this study we looked for potential reservoirs of MPXV in Gabonese wildlife to prevent future outbreaks and enrich the literature with additional data on animal reservoirs. DNA was extracted from livers and spleens from 2549 animals (bats (859), bushmeats (356), rodents (1309), and shrews (25)) collected between 2012 and 2021. DNA was analyzed by real-time and conventional PCR targeting the 14 KD Protein and the rpo subunit RNA polymerase of orthopoxviruses. No MPXV DNA was detected despite the presence of potential host reservoirs like Critcetomys, Crocidura, Praomys, and Atherurus africanus. This absence could be due to: (i) the low number of animals collected for some species, (ii) the acute nature of Mpox infection, but also (iii) the lack of the potential reservoir Funisciurus anerythrus among collected animals, and (iv) the fact that the samplings are not included in the probable ecological niche of MPXV. Longitudinal studies including potential ecological niches of both F. anerythrus and MPXV in Gabon may be useful to get more information on MPXV circulation.
PubMed: 38878993
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107106 -
Emerging Microbes & Infections Dec 2024The global outbreak of Mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), has attracted international attention and become another major infectious disease event after...
The global outbreak of Mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), has attracted international attention and become another major infectious disease event after COVID-19. The mRNA cap N7 methyltransferase (RNMT) of MPXV methylates the N7 position of the added guanosine to the 5'-cap structure of mRNAs and plays a vital role in evading host antiviral immunity. MPXV RNMT is composed of the large subunit E1 and the small subunit E12. How E1 and E12 of MPXV assembly remains unclear. Here, we report the crystal structures of E12, the MTase domain of E1 with E12 (E1-E12) complex, and the E1-E12-SAM ternary complex, revealing the detailed conformations of critical residues and the structural changes upon E12 binding to E1. Functional studies suggest that E1 N-terminal extension (Asp545-Arg562) and the small subunit E12 play an essential role in the binding process of SAM. Structural comparison of the AlphaFold2-predicted E1, E1-E12 complex, and the homologous D1-D12 complex of vaccinia virus (VACV) indicates an allosteric activating effect of E1 in MPXV. Our findings provide the structural basis for the MTase activity stimulation of the E1-E12 complex and suggest a potential interface for screening the anti-poxvirus inhibitors.
Topics: Methyltransferases; Monkeypox virus; Viral Proteins; Crystallography, X-Ray; RNA Caps; Models, Molecular; Humans; Protein Conformation; Protein Binding; RNA, Messenger
PubMed: 38873898
DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2369193