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Human monkeypox: an emerging zoonosis.
Daniel B Di Giulio1, Paul B Eckburg
1Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, and Center for Molecular Biology in Medicine, Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
The Lancet. Infectious Diseases
|January 15, 2004
Summary
Human monkeypox, a rare zoonotic virus, has emerged in the USA. Accurate laboratory diagnosis is crucial for distinguishing monkeypox from other pox-like illnesses and understanding its epidemiology.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Human monkeypox is a rare viral zoonosis endemic to Africa, now emerging in the USA.
- Clinical presentation can mimic other pox-like illnesses, including smallpox and chickenpox, necessitating accurate diagnosis.
- The natural reservoir remains unknown, though rodents are suspected in the US introduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of laboratory diagnosis for human monkeypox.
- To discuss the clinical and epidemiological challenges posed by monkeypox.
- To underscore monkeypox as a significant orthopoxvirus concern post-smallpox eradication.
Main Methods:
- This abstract does not detail specific methods but discusses epidemiological observations and diagnostic importance.
- Relies on existing knowledge of viral zoonoses and clinical presentations.
- References the context of smallpox eradication and potential bioterrorism concerns.
Main Results:
- Human monkeypox requires precise laboratory identification due to indistinguishable symptoms from other poxes.
- Epidemiological data on virulence and transmission are limited by inconsistent investigations.
- Monkeypox is the most significant orthopoxvirus in humans since smallpox eradication.
Conclusions:
- Accurate laboratory diagnosis is critical for managing human monkeypox.
- Further epidemiological research is needed to understand monkeypox virulence and transmission.
- Monkeypox remains a public health concern with no proven treatment and bioterrorism implications.