Monkeypox virus: Pandemic and antiviral drugs

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), which has garnered significant attention due to its global spread since its identification in 1970. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in cases outside Africa, particularly in 2022, when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a public health emergency. The clinical presentation of monkeypox resembles that of smallpox, although it is atypical, especially concerning the sexually transmitted patterns that have prompted extensive academic investigation. MPXV primarily spreads through direct contact with the skin lesions, bodily fluids, or respiratory secretions of infected individuals, with a significant increase in transmission observed within the men who have sex with men (MSM) community. The transmission capability of MPXV is closely linked to its genetic variability, particularly in the context of globalization and ecological changes. Additionally, the host's immune response plays a crucial role in controlling the infection, as MPXV employs various mechanisms to evade immune surveillance, MPXV infection can also be prevented through research into vaccines, thereby enhancing its survival capacity. Although progress has been made in developing antiviral drugs for MPXV, there remains a lack of specific effective treatments. Therefore, rapid drug development for mutations in MPXV is essential.