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Journal of Medical Virology Jan 2023The current literature shows increasing concerns about potential seminal transmission of monkeypox virus (MPXV). Accordingly, we aimed to understand better the potential... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The current literature shows increasing concerns about potential seminal transmission of monkeypox virus (MPXV). Accordingly, we aimed to understand better the potential presence of MPXV in the seminal fluids and others specimens obtained from MPX cases. On June 26, 2022, a systematic search of the literature was conducted to find articles that examine the presence of MPXV in the seminal fluid of confirmed cases. The search was updated once on August 12 and another on October 12, 2022, to include newly published articles. The prevalence of MPXV DNA presence in the seminal fluid and other specimens was pooled in a meta-analysis (from studies with sample size > 5 to reduce overestimation) and results were presented as effect sizes (ES) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Nine articles were included. Only five studies were eligible for a meta-analysis, and the pooled prevalence of MPXV DNA in semen specimens was 72.4% (95% CI: 55.7%-84.5%) among 115 patients. The positive rate of MPXV viral polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was higher among skin samples (89%; 95% CI: 78.2%-94.8%; N = 62; studies = 2), followed by anogenital/rectal samples (74.3%; 95% CI: 60.4%-84.5%; N = 54; studies = 2). On the other hand, the positivity rate was lower in nasopharyngeal (62.4%; 95% CI: 20.4%-91.5%; N = 587; studies = 3), urine (21.1%; 95% CI: 4.3%-61.1%; N = 617; studies = 4), and blood/plasma (14.3%; 95% CI: 11.3%-18.1%; N = 609; studies = 3) samples. Besides, MPXV can be detected in semen early from Day 1 and up to 19 days after symptoms onset. Finally, two articles investigated the infectivity of MPXV particles detected in seminal specimens by testing their replication competence. Culturing MPXV was successful in two out of four patients included in these studies. MPXV is highly prevalent in seminal specimens of MPX cases, further corroborating the role of sexual transmission of the disease. However, further evidence is still needed to shed more light on the replication competence of these particles.
Topics: Humans; Mpox (monkeypox); Monkeypox virus; Semen; Polymerase Chain Reaction; DNA
PubMed: 36271741
DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28250 -
Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine :... Jul 2023To describe the clinical features and location of oral lesions in patients with human monkeypox. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To describe the clinical features and location of oral lesions in patients with human monkeypox.
METHODS
A systematic scoping review was accomplished by implementing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews. The analysis incorporated varied databases and the gray literature. Keywords were implemented to search publications in all languages until July 2022.
RESULTS
The initial electronic exploration included 889 reports, of which 843 studies were eliminated. Reading the full text occasioned the omission of 27 additional investigations. Finally, 19 publications were included. These reports analyzed 1256 patients with monkeypox, mostly described in Europe. Most of them were men who have sex with men. The study population consisted mainly of adults but children were also infected. The oral lesions of monkeypox patients were observed in different parts of the oral mucosa, including lips and tongue, but mainly in the tonsils (15 cases). The oral lesions manifested as papules, vesicles, pustules, and ulcers. Erythema, edema, enanthema, and severe pain were also observed, accompanied by tonsillar enlargement. Sore throat was also reported. Monkeypox is accompanied by a significant number of systemic manifestations, mainly including multiple skin lesions throughout the body, as well as lymphadenopathy, fever, headache, myalgia, and fatigue, among others. The symptoms associated with monkeypox were managed with different antiretroviral and antimicrobial therapies and medications to control pain and fever principally. Seventeen deaths were informed.
CONCLUSION
Most monkeypox-associated oral lesions are seen in different parts of the oral mucosa, mainly in the tonsils manifested as papules, vesicles, pustules, and ulcers.
Topics: Male; Child; Adult; Humans; Female; Mpox (monkeypox); Ulcer; Homosexuality, Male; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Oral Ulcer; Headache
PubMed: 36263594
DOI: 10.1111/jop.13375 -
Journal of Medical Virology Feb 2023Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease, endemic in central and west African regions, and has re-emerged, currently causing an outbreak as of May 2022. In this systematic... (Review)
Review
A systematic review and clinical atlas on mucocutaneous presentations of the current monkeypox outbreak: With a comprehensive approach to all dermatologic and nondermatologic aspects of the new and previous monkeypox outbreaks.
Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease, endemic in central and west African regions, and has re-emerged, currently causing an outbreak as of May 2022. In this systematic review, we aimed to characterize the current face of the disease, with a detailed categorization of mucocutaneous, as well as systemic symptoms of the disease. We searched four main online databases with the keywords "monkeypox" and "Orthopoxvirus". A total of 46 articles were included, with a cumulative number of 1984 confirmed cases. Patients were predominantly men who have sex with men, who were mostly in their 30s, with a history of unprotected sexual contact or international travel. Among mucocutaneous manifestations, anogenital lesions were the most commonly observed, followed by lesions on the limbs, face, trunk, and palms or soles. Among lesion types, vesiculopustular, pustular or pseudo-pustular, vesicular-umbilicated and papular lesions were the most common, mainly presenting asynchronously, with less than 10 lesions on each patient. Almost all patients also reported systemic manifestations, namely fever, lymphadenopathy, fatigue, myalgia, headaches, pharyngitis, and proctitis. Sexual contact is the main pathway of transmission in the current outbreak, with viral shedding in bodily fluids playing a key role. We've compared these idiosyncratic findings of the new outbreak with previous outbreaks. We've also gathered and categorized images from our included studies to make a "clinical atlas" for this "new" face of monkeypox, which can be of utmost importance for clinicians to be familiarized with, and have a clear picture of monkeypox for their differential diagnoses.
Topics: Male; Animals; Humans; Female; Homosexuality, Male; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Disease Outbreaks; Mpox (monkeypox); Zoonoses
PubMed: 36254380
DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28230 -
Tropical Medicine & International... Nov 2022On 7th May 2022, human monkeypox was identified in the United Kingdom, a non-endemic zone, with subsequent multi-country outbreaks. About 6 weeks later, the European... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
On 7th May 2022, human monkeypox was identified in the United Kingdom, a non-endemic zone, with subsequent multi-country outbreaks. About 6 weeks later, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported 1158 confirmed cases in non-endemic countries scattered within the European Economic Area (EEA), and a total of 1882 cases confirmed worldwide, inclusive of the EEA. These numbers are expected to increase with high alert and amplified surveillance established in non-endemic regions. In light of a looming epidemic, current understanding of the virus, and identification of gaps in the literature remain critical hence warranting a scoping review of available literature.
METHODS
Literature searches were performed through PubMed, SCOPUS, ScienceDirect and Hinari to identify studies eligible for inclusion in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.
RESULTS
Seventy-seven articles were included in the review. Majority of the cases were from the Central African clade (n = 29,905) versus the West African clade (n = 252). 6/16 articles that reported vaccination status stated that none of the cases were vaccinated. In the remaining articles, approximately 80%-96% cases were unvaccinated. It was noted that 4%-21% of the vaccinated individuals got infected. The secondary attack rate ranged from 0% to 10.2%, while the calculated pooled estimated case fatality rate was 8.7%.
CONCLUSION
This scoping review provides an extensive look at our current understanding on monkeypox disease. Further studies are needed to better understand its risk factors, genetics and natural history, in order for public health strategists to generate prevention strategies and management decisions.
Topics: Humans; Mpox (monkeypox); Monkeypox virus; Disease Outbreaks; Public Health; Epidemics
PubMed: 36229989
DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13821 -
Journal of Medical Virology Jan 2023Improved diagnostic tests and accessibility are essential for controlling the outbreak of monkeypox. We describe a saliva-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for...
Improved diagnostic tests and accessibility are essential for controlling the outbreak of monkeypox. We describe a saliva-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for monkeypox virus, in vitro test performance, and clinical implementation of that assay in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Palm Springs, CA. Finally, using prespecified search terms, we conducted a systematic rapid review of PubMed and Web of Science online databases of studies reporting the performance of oral pharyngeal or saliva-based tests for the monkeypox virus. The assay showed in silico inclusivity of 100% for 97 strains of monkeypox virus, with an analytic sensitivity of 250 copies/ml, and 100% agreement compared to known positive and negative specimens. Clinical testing identified 22 cases of monkeypox among 132 individuals (16.7%), of which 16 (72.7%) reported symptoms, 4 (18.2%) without a rash at the time of testing. Of an additional 18 patients with positive lesion tests, 16 (88.9%) had positive saliva tests. Our systematic review identified six studies; 100% of tests on oropharyngeal specimens from 23 patients agreed with the PCR test result of a lesion. Saliva-based PCR tests are potential tools for case identification, and further evaluation of the performance of such tests is warranted.
Topics: Humans; Monkeypox virus; Mpox (monkeypox); Saliva; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Disease Outbreaks
PubMed: 36183189
DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28191 -
BMJ Global Health Aug 2022Monkeypox (MPX) is an important human Orthopoxvirus infection. There has been an increase in MPX cases and outbreaks in endemic and non-endemic regions in recent...
BACKGROUND
Monkeypox (MPX) is an important human Orthopoxvirus infection. There has been an increase in MPX cases and outbreaks in endemic and non-endemic regions in recent decades. We appraised the availability, scope, quality and inclusivity of clinical management guidelines for MPX globally.
METHODS
For this systematic review, we searched six databases from inception until 14 October 2021, augmented by a grey literature search until 17 May 2022. MPX guidelines providing treatment and supportive care recommendations were included, with no exclusions for language. Two reviewers assessed the guidelines. Quality was assessed using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II tool.
RESULTS
Of 2026 records screened, 14 guidelines were included. Overall, most guidelines were of low-quality with a median score of 2 out of 7 (range: 1-7), lacked detail and covered a narrow range of topics. Most guidelines focused on adults, five (36%) provided some advice for children, three (21%) for pregnant women and three (21%) for people living with HIV. Treatment guidance was mostly limited to advice on antivirals; seven guidelines advised cidofovir (four specified for severe MPX only); 29% (4/14) tecovirimat, and 7% (1/14) brincidofovir. Only one guideline provided recommendations on supportive care and treatment of complications. All guidelines recommended vaccination as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Three guidelines advised on vaccinia immune globulin as PEP for severe cases in people with immunosuppression.
CONCLUSION
Our results highlight a lack of evidence-based clinical management guidelines for MPX globally. There is a clear and urgent need for research into treatment and prophylaxis including for different risk populations. The current outbreak provides an opportunity to accelerate this research through coordinated high-quality studies. New evidence should be incorporated into globally accessible guidelines, to benefit patient and epidemic outcomes. A 'living guideline' framework is recommended.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42020167361.
Topics: Adult; Antiviral Agents; Child; Databases, Factual; Disease Outbreaks; Female; Humans; Mpox (monkeypox); Pregnancy
PubMed: 35973747
DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-009838 -
Annals of Clinical Microbiology and... Aug 2022A multicountry monkeypox disease (MPX) outbreak began in May 2022 in Europe, leading to the assessment as a potential Public Health Emergency of International Concern... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
A multicountry monkeypox disease (MPX) outbreak began in May 2022 in Europe, leading to the assessment as a potential Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on June 23, 2022. Some observational studies have partially characterised clinical features, hospitalisations, and deaths. However, no systematic reviews of this MPX outbreak have been published.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis, using five databases to assess clinical features, hospitalisations, complications and deaths of MPX confirmed or probable cases. Observational studies, case reports and case series, were included. We performed a random-effects model meta-analysis to calculate the pooled prevalence and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). In addition, we carried out a subgroup analysis according to the continents and a sensitivity analysis excluding studies classified as having a high risk of bias.
RESULTS
A total of 19 articles were included, using only 12 articles in the quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis). For 1958 patients, rash (93%, 95% CI 80-100%), fever (72%, 95% CI 30-99%), pruritus (65%, 95% CI 47-81%), and lymphadenopathy (62%, 47-76%), were the most prevalent manifestations. Among the patients, 35% (95% CI 14-59%) were hospitalised. Some 4% (95% CI 1-9%) of hospitalised patients had fatal outcomes (case fatality rate, CFR).
CONCLUSION
MPX is spreading rapidly, with a third of hospitalised patients, but less than 5% with fatal outcomes. As this zoonotic virus spreads globally, countries must urgently prepare human resources, infrastructure and facilities to treat patients according to the emerging guidelines and the most reliable clinical information.
Topics: Disease Outbreaks; Europe; Fever; Hospitalization; Humans; Mpox (monkeypox)
PubMed: 35948973
DOI: 10.1186/s12941-022-00527-1 -
Journal of the American Academy of... Feb 2023
Meta-Analysis
Topics: Humans; Molluscum Contagiosum; Network Meta-Analysis; Entropy; Salicylic Acid
PubMed: 35868571
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2022.07.022 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Feb 2022Monkeypox, a zoonotic disease caused by an orthopoxvirus, results in a smallpox-like disease in humans. Since monkeypox in humans was initially diagnosed in 1970 in the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Monkeypox, a zoonotic disease caused by an orthopoxvirus, results in a smallpox-like disease in humans. Since monkeypox in humans was initially diagnosed in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), it has spread to other regions of Africa (primarily West and Central), and cases outside Africa have emerged in recent years. We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed and grey literature on how monkeypox epidemiology has evolved, with particular emphasis on the number of confirmed, probable, and/or possible cases, age at presentation, mortality, and geographical spread. The review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020208269). We identified 48 peer-reviewed articles and 18 grey literature sources for data extraction. The number of human monkeypox cases has been on the rise since the 1970s, with the most dramatic increases occurring in the DRC. The median age at presentation has increased from 4 (1970s) to 21 years (2010-2019). There was an overall case fatality rate of 8.7%, with a significant difference between clades-Central African 10.6% (95% CI: 8.4%- 13.3%) vs. West African 3.6% (95% CI: 1.7%- 6.8%). Since 2003, import- and travel-related spread outside of Africa has occasionally resulted in outbreaks. Interactions/activities with infected animals or individuals are risk behaviors associated with acquiring monkeypox. Our review shows an escalation of monkeypox cases, especially in the highly endemic DRC, a spread to other countries, and a growing median age from young children to young adults. These findings may be related to the cessation of smallpox vaccination, which provided some cross-protection against monkeypox, leading to increased human-to-human transmission. The appearance of outbreaks beyond Africa highlights the global relevance of the disease. Increased surveillance and detection of monkeypox cases are essential tools for understanding the continuously changing epidemiology of this resurging disease.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Female; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; Humans; Male; Mpox (monkeypox); Monkeypox virus; Travel-Related Illness; Young Adult
PubMed: 35148313
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010141 -
Clinics in Dermatology 2021Although molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a common infectious dermatosis that is self-resolving, treatment can diminish discomfort and decrease the risk of autoinoculation...
Although molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a common infectious dermatosis that is self-resolving, treatment can diminish discomfort and decrease the risk of autoinoculation and infection to others, because it is transmitted through direct skin contact. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of topical treatments for MC. A PubMed search following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was performed to find randomized, controlled trials of MC treatment. The search yielded 129 publications, but only 15 studies published between 1994 and 2020 were found to fit the inclusion criteria. Treatment modalities included podophyllotoxin, imiquimod, sodium nitrite, myrtle leaf extract, phenol, Salatac Gel (salicylic acid with lactic acid), potassium hydroxide, cantharidin, SB206, and VP-102. Outcomes were extracted from the literature, and subsequent quality and risk of bias assessments were performed. All treatments were more efficacious than the control except cantharidin, potassium hydroxide, and imiquimod, which had varying degrees of efficacy throughout studies. Overall, studies were of sufficient quality and had low risk of bias, but they had small sample sizes and lacked adequate explanation of statistical analysis. Current first-line treatment entails mechanical methods such as cryotherapy and curettage, which may be frightening to children with MC, so the development and assessment of topical treatments allows for alternative efficacious techniques.
Topics: Child; Humans; Molluscum Contagiosum; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 34920817
DOI: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2021.07.002