Mpox: a review of laboratory detection techniques

Area of Science:

• * Virology and Epidemiology
• * Infectious Disease Diagnostics
• * Public Health Surveillance

Background:

• * Mpox (formerly monkeypox), a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), presents a significant global health concern.
• * Rapid international spread since May 2022 necessitates urgent epidemic control strategies.
• * Laboratory detection is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring mpox outbreaks.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To review current laboratory techniques for monkeypox virus (MPXV) detection.
• * To discuss advancements in diagnostic methods for mpox.
• * To compare the advantages and limitations of various MPXV diagnostic approaches.

Main Methods:

• * Comprehensive literature review of existing laboratory diagnostic techniques for MPXV.
• * Analysis of nucleic acid amplification tests (e.g., PCR) and immunological assays.
• * Comparative assessment of diagnostic method performance, benefits, and drawbacks.

Main Results:

• * Nucleic acid amplification tests, particularly polymerase chain reaction (PCR), are the most prevalent methods for MPXV detection.
• * Immunological methods offer complementary diagnostic capabilities and insights into MPXV.
• * Current diagnostics are vital for tracking epidemic trends and informing control strategies.

Conclusions:

• * Effective laboratory diagnostics are essential for controlling the mpox epidemic.
• * Continued research and development of alternative diagnostic tools are vital for future public health crises.
• * This review serves as a resource to guide scientific efforts in mpox diagnostics and prevention.