MPox Skin Lesions.

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Dermatology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Mpox, caused by the Monkeypox virus (MPXV), is a zoonotic disease endemic in parts of Africa.
• A global Mpox outbreak began in May 2022, declared a public health emergency.
• Indonesia reported its first imported Mpox case in October 2022, with a notable increase in cases by late 2023.

Observation:

• Two Indonesian patients living with HIV presented with distinct Mpox skin lesion spectrums.
• Patient 1: A 48-year-old male with maculopapular lesions on the face, back, and hands, without genital or mucosal involvement.
• Patient 2: A 28-year-old male with fever followed by pustular, ulcerative lesions spreading from the face to the entire body, including oral mucosal lesions.

Findings:

• Both patients tested positive for Mpox via PCR.
• The cases highlight varied clinical presentations of Mpox, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
• One patient was diagnosed with HIV concurrently with Mpox, underscoring the link between the two.

Implications:

• Recognizing diverse Mpox manifestations is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment, especially in HIV-positive populations.
• The study emphasizes the need for increased Mpox surveillance and awareness in Indonesia.
• Understanding Mpox's varied dermatological and mucosal presentations aids in managing outbreaks and patient care.