Mpox: disease manifestations and therapeutic development

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Mpox (monkeypox virus) poses a significant global health risk, declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the WHO.
• Orthopoxvirus genus members present increasing zoonotic spillover risks.
• Mpox causes severe systemic illness and skin lesions, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in mpox epidemiology and clinical features.
• To discuss the current status and future directions of mpox therapeutic development.
• To emphasize the need for innovative experimental models for drug testing.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on mpox epidemiology, clinical presentation, and therapeutics.
• Analysis of current antiviral efficacy (tecovirimat, brincidofovir).
• Discussion of experimental models for mpox research.

Main Results:

• Existing mpox therapeutics demonstrate uncertain or disappointing efficacy.
• There is an urgent need for novel antiviral agents against mpox.
• Innovative experimental models are essential for effective therapeutic testing.

Conclusions:

• Effective therapeutics are critical for combating the mpox crisis.
• Further research into novel treatments and robust experimental models is vital.
• Advancing these efforts is key for responding to the current mpox emergency and preparing for future poxvirus epidemics.