Monkeypox Infection With Primarily Mucosal Involvement

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Dermatology

Background:

• The global monkeypox outbreak, beginning in May 2022, has shown distinct clinical and epidemiological features compared to historical cases.
• Nonendemic countries are experiencing a surge in monkeypox (MPX) infections, primarily within the sexually active population.
• Characteristically, MPX presents with mucocutaneous lesions, often localized to the perioral, genital, and anal regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the demographic, clinical, and epidemiological profile of patients diagnosed with monkeypox infection.
• To focus on the specific presentation of monkeypox with predominant mucosal involvement.
• To provide insights into the evolving nature of the monkeypox outbreak in a nonendemic setting.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study design was employed.
• Data were collected from patients diagnosed with monkeypox at a tertiary care center in Lisbon.
• Analysis focused on clinical presentation, lesion distribution, and patient demographics.

Main Results:

• The study population primarily consisted of sexually active individuals.
• Mucocutaneous lesions were predominantly observed in the perioral, genital, and anal areas.
• The findings highlight a shift in the typical presentation of monkeypox during the recent outbreak.

Conclusions:

• The 2022 monkeypox outbreak exhibits distinct characteristics, particularly in its predominant affectation of the sexually active population.
• Mucosal and genital/anal lesions are key indicators of monkeypox infection in this evolving epidemic.
• Understanding these distinct features is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective public health management of monkeypox.