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Nature Communications May 2024The recent outbreak of mpox epidemic, caused by monkeypox virus (MPXV), poses a new threat to global public health. Here, we initially assessed the preexisting antibody...
The recent outbreak of mpox epidemic, caused by monkeypox virus (MPXV), poses a new threat to global public health. Here, we initially assessed the preexisting antibody level to the MPXV B6 protein in vaccinia vaccinees born before the end of the immunization program and then identified two monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), hMB621 and hMB668, targeting distinct epitopes on B6, from one vaccinee. Binding assays demonstrate that both MAbs exhibit broad binding abilities to B6 and its orthologs in vaccinia (VACV), variola (VARV) and cowpox viruses (CPXV). Neutralizing assays reveal that the two MAbs showed potent neutralization against VACV. Animal experiments using a BALB/c female mouse model indicate that the two MAbs showed effective protection against VACV via intraperitoneal injection. Additionally, we determined the complex structure of B6 and hMB668, revealing the structural feature of B6 and the epitope of hMB668. Collectively, our study provides two promising antibody candidates for the treatment of orthopoxvirus infections, including mpox.
Topics: Animals; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Humans; Female; Antibodies, Neutralizing; Antibodies, Viral; Mice; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Epitopes; Monkeypox virus; Poxviridae Infections; Vaccinia virus; Orthopoxvirus; Mpox (monkeypox)
PubMed: 38821921
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48312-2 -
Sexually Transmitted Infections May 2024Monkeypox (mpox) was declared as a global health emergency by the WHO, with most reported cases disproportionately involving gay, bisexual and other men who have sex...
Receptiveness to monkeypox vaccines and public health communication strategies among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in Singapore: cross-sectional quantitative and qualitative insights.
OBJECTIVES
Monkeypox (mpox) was declared as a global health emergency by the WHO, with most reported cases disproportionately involving gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). This study explored the willingness of Singaporean GBMSM to receive mpox vaccines and engage in changes to sexual behaviour, and analysed the factors influencing both decisions.
METHODS
An online cross-sectional study was disseminated through community groups and Grindr from September to October 2022 among GBMSM in Singapore, where we surveyed respondents' demographics, stigma associated with mpox, perceived risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and changes to sexual behaviours in response to mpox. Descriptive statistics and multivariable linear and logistics regression analyses, as well as thematic analysis of data, were also conducted.
RESULTS
237 GBMSM community members responded to the survey, with the majority being receptive to vaccine and 67.5% indicating changes to sexual behaviour in view of rising mpox infections. Predictors of vaccine receptivity among GBMSM included self-perceived mpox risk (adjusted OR (aOR)=0.44, 95% CI 0.07, 0.82) and self-perceived STI risk (aOR=0.39, 95% CI 0.03, 0.76). Predictors for changes to sexual behaviour included self-perceived mpox stigma (aOR=1.17, 95% CI 1.08, 1.27), self-perceived mpox risk (aOR=1.22, 95% CI 1.03,1.44), age (aOR=0.96, 95% CI 0.93, 1.00) and race (aOR=0.31, 95% CI 0.10, 0.93). In the thematic analysis, respondents raised concerns about vaccine effectiveness, side effects, cost and privacy.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that the rise in mpox infections have prompted changes to GBMSM's sexual practices. In general, GBMSM are willing to receive the mpox vaccine but are concerned about the physical and social consequences of uptake. These concerns should be addressed when vaccines are released.
PubMed: 38821878
DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2024-056230 -
Journal of Infection and Public Health Jul 2024Mpox is a zoonotic disease that became epidemic in multiple countries in 2022. There is a lack of published systematic reviews on natural animal infection due to Mpox.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Mpox is a zoonotic disease that became epidemic in multiple countries in 2022. There is a lack of published systematic reviews on natural animal infection due to Mpox. We performed a systematic literature review with meta-analysis to assess animal Mpox prevalence. We performed a random-effects model meta-analysis to calculate the pooled prevalence and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) for prevalence studies. After the screening, 15 reports were selected for full-text assessment and included in qualitative and quantitative analyses. Ten reports assessed Mpox infection by molecular or serological tests (n = 2680), yielding a pooled prevalence of 16.0% (95%CI: 3.0-29.0%) for non-human primates; 8.0% (95%CI: 4.0-12.0%) for rodents and 1.0% (95%CI: 0.0-3.0%) for shrews. Further studies in other animals are required to define the extent and importance of natural infection due to Mpox. These findings have implications for public human and animal health. OneHealth approach is critical for prevention and control.
Topics: Animals; Zoonoses; Prevalence; Mpox (monkeypox); Rodentia; Humans; Shrews; Primates
PubMed: 38820901
DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2024.04.015 -
Health Science Reports Jun 2024A double-stranded DNA virus called monkeypox virus (MPV) belonging to the Poxviridae family and Orthopoxvirus genus causes monkeypox (mpox) infection. This virus used to...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
A double-stranded DNA virus called monkeypox virus (MPV) belonging to the Poxviridae family and Orthopoxvirus genus causes monkeypox (mpox) infection. This virus used to infect only Central, East, and West Africa. However, it has spread to an extent outside Africa recently. The range of MPV outbreaks was so high that on July 23, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). About a year later, the WHO notified the end of a global public health emergency for mpox on May 11, 2023. Here, we aimed to assess the current pathogenicity and potential risk of MPV causing public health emergencies.
METHODS
We searched information from published articles available in PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. We used monkeypox, mpox, monkeypox outbreak, and monkeypox virus as keywords during the literature search.
RESULTS
Many new variants of MPV have emerged throughout the world that created PHEIC for mpox. Considering the low lethality and transmission rate, mpox is no longer a global public health threat. In addition, the availability of therapeutic and preventive measures helped the healthcare authorities fight the mpox infection in an efficient manner. In this review, we have portrayed the history and evolution of mpox from past to present and an idea of its future outcomes. Also, we have discussed the symptoms related to mpox and approved antiviral treatment strategies to fight off the infection in this piece. This review also emphasized the preventive guidelines set by the WHO for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers to control the outbreak of mpox infection.
CONCLUSION
We believe this article would give an idea about the potential public health threats of the recent multi-country monkeypox outbreak to the healthcare authorities for taking measures accordingly.
PubMed: 38817885
DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.2136 -
Analytica Chimica Acta Jul 2024The monkeypox virus (MPXV) is a linear double-stranded DNA virus with a large genome that causes tens of thousands of infections and hundreds of deaths in at least 40...
BACKGROUND
The monkeypox virus (MPXV) is a linear double-stranded DNA virus with a large genome that causes tens of thousands of infections and hundreds of deaths in at least 40 countries and regions worldwide. Therefore, timely and accurate diagnostic testing could be an important measure to prevent the ongoing spread of MPXV and widespread epidemics.
RESULTS
Here, we designed multiple sets of primers for the target region of MPXV for loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) detection and identified the optimal primer set. Then, the specificity in fluorescent LAMP detection was verified using the plasmids containing the target gene, pseudovirus and other DNA/RNA viruses. We also evaluated the sensitivity of the colorimetric LAMP detection system using the plasmid and pseudovirus samples, respectively. Besides, we used monkeypox pseudovirus to simulate real samples for detection. Subsequent to the establishment and introduction of a magnetic beads (MBs)-based nucleic acid extraction technique, an integrated device was developed, characterized by rapidity, high sensitivity, and remarkable specificity. This portable system demonstrated a visual detection limit of 137 copies/mL, achieving sample-to-answer detection within 1 h.
SIGNIFICANCE
The device has the advantages of integration, simplicity, miniaturization, and visualization, which help promote the realization of accurate, rapid, portable, and low-cost testing. Meanwhile, this platform could facilitate efficient, cost-effective and easy-operable point-of-care testing (POCT) in diverse resource-limited settings in addition to the laboratory.
Topics: Colorimetry; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques; Monkeypox virus; Limit of Detection; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques
PubMed: 38816155
DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2024.342720 -
Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences 2023To determine the knowledge about and acceptance level of monkeypox vaccine in men who have sex with men (MSM).
BACKGROUND/AIM
To determine the knowledge about and acceptance level of monkeypox vaccine in men who have sex with men (MSM).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A 14-item questionnaire, developed by the European Centers for Disease Control (ECDC), was presented online to MSM, aged ≥18 years old, via smartphone applications (Grindr and Hornet), between June 30th and August 12th, 2022.
RESULTS
Of the 737 participants who completed the survey, 678 were born in Türkiye and 59 were migrants/visitors born in different countries. All of the participants were living in Türkiye. The median age was 31 (range 18-68) years. Overall, 21.9% were HIV-positive, 94.9% were using antiretroviral therapy (ART), 3.9% reported using preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), 9.9% had been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the past 12 months, and 10.1% reported using chemicals during sexual intercourse in the past three months.Participants aged 45-54 were significantly more concerned about being treated differently due to monkeypox than those in the other age groups (p = 0.038). Compared to the participants who were HIV-negative, those who were HIV-positive were significantly more worried about acquiring monkeypox (34.1% were very worried and 43.6% were worried, p = 0.033), were more likely to definitely or probably get vaccinated if offered (67.6% and 80.6%, respectively, p = 0.002), and were more concerned about being exposed to different attitudes due to monkeypox (37.0% and 53.3%, respectively, p < 0.01). Among those using ART, 82.3% and 50.0% reported that they would definitely or probably get vaccinated if offered, respectively (p = 0.046). There were no significant differences between groups for the remaining parameters.
CONCLUSION
Despite the low level of knowledge about monkeypox, the majority of the participants reported that they believed in the vaccine's efficacy. Those who were HIV-positive were particularly more concerned about monkeypox and were more willing to protect themselves compared to those who were HIV-negative.
Topics: Humans; Male; Adult; Middle Aged; Homosexuality, Male; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Young Adult; Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires; Adolescent; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Mpox (monkeypox); Turkey; HIV Infections
PubMed: 38813016
DOI: 10.55730/1300-0144.5679 -
Nanoscale Jun 2024The escalating global threat of infectious diseases, including monkeypox virus (MPXV), necessitates advancements in point-of-care diagnostics, moving beyond the...
The escalating global threat of infectious diseases, including monkeypox virus (MPXV), necessitates advancements in point-of-care diagnostics, moving beyond the constraints of conventional methods tethered to centralized laboratories. Here, we introduce multiple CRISPR RNA (crRNA)-based biosensors that can directly detect MPXV within 35 minutes without pre-amplification, leveraging the enhanced sensitivity and antifouling attributes of the BSA-based nanocomposite. Multiple crRNAs, strategically targeting diverse regions of the F3L gene of MPXV, are designed and combined to amplify Cas12a activation and its collateral cleavage of reporter probes. Notably, our electrochemical sensors exhibit the detection limit of 669 fM F3L gene without amplification, which is approximately a 15-fold improvement compared to fluorescence detection. This sensor also shows negligible changes in peak current after exposure to complex biological fluids, such as whole blood and serum, maintaining its sensitivity at 682 fM. This sensitivity is nearly identical to the conditions when only the F3L gene was present in PBS. In summary, our CRISPR-based electrochemical biosensors can be utilized as a high-performance diagnostic tool in resource-limited settings, representing a transformative leap forward in point-of-care testing. Beyond infectious diseases, the implications of this technology extend to various molecular diagnostics, establishing itself as a rapid, accurate, and versatile platform for detection of target analytes.
Topics: Biosensing Techniques; Nanocomposites; Electrochemical Techniques; CRISPR-Cas Systems; Humans; CRISPR-Associated Proteins; Limit of Detection; Bacterial Proteins; Animals; Endodeoxyribonucleases; Biofouling
PubMed: 38804270
DOI: 10.1039/d4nr01618a -
Nature Communications May 2024Understanding of infection dynamics is important for public health measures against monkeypox virus (MPXV) infection. Herein, samples from multiple body sites and...
Understanding of infection dynamics is important for public health measures against monkeypox virus (MPXV) infection. Herein, samples from multiple body sites and environmental fomites of 77 acute MPXV infections (HIV co-infection: N = 42) were collected every two to three days and used for detection of MPXV DNA, surface protein specific antibodies and neutralizing titers. Skin lesions show 100% positivity rate of MPXV DNA, followed by rectum (88.16%), saliva (83.78%) and oropharynx (78.95%). Positivity rate of oropharynx decreases rapidly after 7 days post symptom onset (d.p.o), while the rectum and saliva maintain a positivity rate similar to skin lesions. Viral dynamics are similar among skin lesions, saliva and oropharynx, with a peak at about 6 d.p.o. In contrast, viral levels in the rectum peak at the beginning of symptom onset and decrease rapidly thereafter. 52.66% of environmental fomite swabs are positive for MPXV DNA, with highest positivity rate (69.89%) from air-conditioning air outlets. High seropositivity against A29L (100%) and H3L (94.74%) are detected, while a correlation between IgG endpoint titers and neutralizing titers is only found for A29L. Most indexes are similar between HIV and Non-HIV participants, while HIV and rectitis are associated with higher viral loads in rectum.
Topics: Humans; Male; Virus Shedding; Antibodies, Viral; Prospective Studies; Adult; Monkeypox virus; Mpox (monkeypox); Saliva; HIV Infections; Antibodies, Neutralizing; Middle Aged; Longitudinal Studies; DNA, Viral; Oropharynx; Coinfection; Viral Load; Fomites
PubMed: 38802350
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48754-8 -
Antiviral Therapy Jun 2024Monkeypox has emerged as a noteworthy worldwide issue due to its daily escalating case count. This illness presents diverse symptoms, including skin manifestations,...
Monkeypox has emerged as a noteworthy worldwide issue due to its daily escalating case count. This illness presents diverse symptoms, including skin manifestations, which have the potential to spread through contact. The transmission of this infectious agent is intricate and readily transfers between individuals. The hypothetical protein MPXV-SI-2022V502225_00135 strain of monkeypox underwent structural and functional analysis using NCBI-CD Search, Pfam, and InterProScan. Quality assessment utilized PROCHECK, QMEAN, Verify3D, and ERRAT, followed by protein-ligand docking, visualization, and a 100-nanosecond simulation on Schrodinger Maestro. Different physicochemical properties were estimated, indicating a stable molecular weight (49147.14) and theoretical pI (5.62) with functional annotation tools predicting the target protein to contain the domain of Chordopox_A20R domain. In secondary structure analysis, the helix coil was found to be predominant. The three-dimensional (3D) structure of the protein was obtained using a template protein (PDB ID: ), which became more stable after YASARA energy minimization and was validated by quality assessment tools like PROCHECK, QMEAN, Verify3D, and ERRAT. Protein-ligand docking was conducted using PyRx 9.0 software to examine the binding and interactions between a ligand and a hypothetical protein, focusing on various amino acids. The model structure, active site, and binding site were visualized using the CASTp server, FTsite, and PyMOL. A 100 nanosecond simulation was performed with ligand CID_16124688 to evaluate the efficiency of this protein. The analysis revealed significant binding interactions and enhanced stability, aiding in drug or vaccine design for effective antiviral treatment and patient management.
Topics: Molecular Docking Simulation; Viral Proteins; Monkeypox virus; Computer Simulation; Humans; Ligands; Protein Binding; Protein Domains; Molecular Dynamics Simulation; Protein Conformation; Models, Molecular; Structure-Activity Relationship; Binding Sites
PubMed: 38801671
DOI: 10.1177/13596535241255199 -
Advances in Experimental Medicine and... 2024Monkeypox (Mpox) virus is a zoonotic disease that was recently declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization... (Review)
Review
Monkeypox (Mpox) virus is a zoonotic disease that was recently declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO). Symptoms of Mpox include fever, headache, muscle pain, and a rash which starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. The stigma surrounding the Mpox virus has been one of the greatest challenges in dealing with the disease. People with Mpox have been often shunned by their communities, and many are afraid to seek medical care for fear of ostracism. For those affected by the virus, this stigma can significantly impact their mental health and quality of life. It is further fueled by misinformation and societal norms. Hence, a multifaceted approach that includes education, awareness campaigns, and community engagement is needed to overcome the stigma associated with Mpox. Effective communication strategies are critical to the dispelling of rumors and the reduction of fear. Interventional measures need to be shaped according to the needs of those affected.
Topics: Humans; Social Stigma; Animals; Mpox (monkeypox); Monkeypox virus; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
PubMed: 38801592
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-57165-7_25