Monkeypox: a new differential diagnosis when addressing genital ulcer disease

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Virology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Genital ulcer disease is a common presentation in infectious disease and dermatology clinics.
• Differential diagnosis for genital ulcers includes various sexually transmitted infections and other etiologies.
• Emerging infectious diseases require continuous evaluation of clinical presentations.

Observation:

• A case of genital ulcer and inguinal adenopathy was observed.
• The patient's symptoms were clinically assessed for potential infectious causes.

Findings:

• Laboratory investigations confirmed the presence of monkeypox virus.
• The clinical presentation of genital ulcer and inguinal adenopathy was directly attributable to monkeypox virus infection.

Implications:

• Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for monkeypox virus in patients presenting with genital ulcers.
• Early recognition and diagnosis of monkeypox are crucial for appropriate patient management and public health control.
• This case highlights the evolving clinical spectrum of monkeypox virus and its potential to manifest as a cause of genital ulcer disease.