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Monkeypox virus: a re-emergent threat to humans
Qizan Gong1, Changle Wang2, Xia Chuai2
1Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
Virologica Sinica
|July 12, 2022
Summary
Human monkeypox (monkeypox virus - MPXV) is a rare zoonotic disease. This review summarizes MPXV
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Human monkeypox (MPX) is a rare zoonotic viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), a double-stranded DNA virus in the Orthopoxvirus genus.
- Historically endemic to rural Central and West Africa, MPX has seen international spread, notably a resurgence in 2022, posing a global health threat.
- MPXV transmission occurs via animal-to-human and human-to-human routes, presenting with milder smallpox-like symptoms and lower mortality (1%-10%).
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of monkeypox virus (MPXV).
- To consolidate knowledge on MPXV's biological characteristics, epidemiology, pathogenicity, diagnosis, and management.
- To inform strategies for controlling MPX outbreaks and preventing future epidemics.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes existing scientific literature on monkeypox virus (MPXV).
- Information was gathered on MPXV's biological features, global spread patterns, disease-causing mechanisms, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic interventions.
- The review focuses on prevention and treatment strategies for MPX.
Main Results:
- Smallpox vaccination offers 85% protection against MPXV, and specific antiviral drugs are approved for MPX treatment.
- Despite existing measures, there is an urgent need for novel strategies, including specific vaccines and drugs, to combat MPXV.
- The review highlights the importance of understanding MPXV's characteristics for effective control.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need for targeted vaccines and therapeutics against monkeypox virus (MPXV).
- Active measures and novel anti-MPXV strategies are essential to control the spread and prevent epidemics.
- This review serves as a foundational resource for managing future MPX outbreaks.
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