Mpox Case Presenting With Genital Lesions and Proctitis

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Monkeypox (Mpox) is a zoonotic Orthopoxvirus endemic to Africa.
• The 2022 global outbreak suggested potential sexual transmission, differing from traditional animal-to-human spread.
• Mpox is a public health emergency, necessitating understanding of its transmission dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of Mpox in an HIV-positive man with significant gastrointestinal and dermatological symptoms.
• To investigate the clinical presentation and diagnostic findings of Mpox in a high-risk population.
• To contribute to the understanding of novel transmission routes of Mpox.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 39-year-old HIV-positive male with rash, perianal pain, and bloody stool.
• Physical examination, perianal lesion biopsy with PCR for Mpox, and colonoscopy with rectal ulcer biopsy.
• Histopathological analysis and immunostaining for Mpox confirmation.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with diffuse cutaneous rash and severe perianal symptoms.
• Biopsies confirmed Mpox infection via PCR and immunostaining, showing characteristic histopathological changes.
• Colonoscopy revealed a large rectal ulcer with acute proctitis and necrosis.

Conclusions:

• Mpox can present with severe gastrointestinal manifestations, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
• Sexual transmission is a significant route in the current Mpox outbreak.
• Early diagnosis and consideration of atypical presentations are crucial for managing Mpox cases.