Laboratory Diagnosis for Monkeypox: Clinical Practice and Important Points to Be Recognized

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV).
• The 2022 outbreak highlighted the need for accurate and timely diagnosis.
• Atypical presentations, lacking classic fever or skin lesions, can complicate clinical diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize and discuss practical aspects of laboratory diagnosis for monkeypox.
• To emphasize the importance of accurate diagnostic methods in managing outbreaks.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical presentation and diagnostic approaches for monkeypox.
• Discussion of laboratory confirmation methods, including molecular diagnostics.
• Consideration of point-of-care testing (POCT) for rapid diagnosis.

Main Results:

• Clinical diagnosis is crucial but can be challenging with non-specific symptoms.
• Molecular-based diagnosis remains the gold standard for confirming monkeypox.
• Various laboratory techniques aid in accurate identification and differentiation.

Conclusions:

• Accurate diagnosis of monkeypox is essential for effective disease control.
• A combination of clinical suspicion and laboratory confirmation is recommended.
• Advancements in diagnostic testing, including POCT, can improve outbreak response.