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Vaccinia Virus Infection & Temporal Analysis of Virus Gene Expression: Part 1
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Global genomic surveillance of monkeypox virus
James R Otieno1, Christopher Ruis1,2,3,4, Anyebe B Onoja1
1World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
Nature Medicine
|October 23, 2024
Summary
Genomic surveillance reveals monkeypox virus (MPXV) mobility and transmission patterns. Distinct mutations differentiate human and animal MPXV spread, highlighting the need for enhanced global monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Genomics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is endemic in Africa, with a global outbreak of clade IIb (B.1) occurring in 2022.
- The virus has been detected in 116 countries, necessitating a deeper understanding of its global spread and evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the global phylogenetics of MPXV using extensive sequence data.
- To identify transmission dynamics and mutational signatures of different MPXV clades.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 10,670 MPXV sequences from 65 countries, spanning 1958 to 2024.
- Phylogenetic analysis to track viral movement and evolution.
Main Results:
- High mobility of clade I viruses within Central Africa was observed.
- Sustained human-to-human transmission of clade IIb lineage A viruses in the Eastern Mediterranean region was identified.
- Distinct mutational signatures were found to differentiate human-to-human from animal-to-animal MPXV transmission.
Conclusions:
- Genomic surveillance is crucial for tracking MPXV spatiotemporal dynamics.
- Strengthening genomic surveillance, particularly in eastern Africa, is essential for early detection and response.
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