Monkeypox: What Do We Know So Far?

Update on current monkeypox transmission, detection, prevention, and treatment

Photo portrait of Pallavi Upadhyay, PhD
Pallavi Upadhyay, PhD
Photo portrait of Pallavi Upadhyay, PhD

Pallavi Upadhyay, PhD, is an infectious disease scientist and researcher, scientific and medical writer, and consultant. In her full-time role as the director of scientific and clinical affairs at HealthTrackRx company, she oversees the development and implementation of diagnostic assays and clinical studies. She also directs the research and development and scientific publication initiatives in the company. Dr. Upadhyay holds a PhD in molecular biology from Texas Woman’s University. Her professional expertise and interest include molecular diagnostics and techniques, molecular microbiology, advanced data analytics, and scientific writing.

ViewFull Profile
Learn about ourEditorial Policies.
Published:Jul 06, 2022
|3 min read
Register for free to listen to this article
Listen with Speechify
0:00
3:00

What is monkeypox? 

Monkeypox is an orthopoxvirus belonging to the Poxviridae family that causes monkeypox disease. While the monkeypox virus was first identified in 1958 in a Danish lab, human monkeypox was discovered as a zoonotic viral disease many years later in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since then, it has spread to various parts of Africa. 

There are several orthopoxviruses that infect humans including variola (also known as smallpox), vaccinia (used in the smallpox vaccine), cowpox, and monkeypox. Due to the genetic similarities between the smallpox and monkeypox viruses, smallpox vaccination provides cross-immunity against monkeypox infection, rendering approximately 85 percent protection and reducing disease severity in infected patients

However, after the declaration of global eradication of smallpox in 1980, the World Health Organization (WHO) ended its smallpox immunization programs and over the course of the subsequent 40 years, an increasing number of people have become susceptible to monkeypox infections. In fact, by the mid to late 1980s, monkeypox was considered the most significant orthopoxvirus causing infections in humans.   

What are the symptoms of monkeypox?

The clinical manifestations of monkeypox are very similar to those seen in smallpox cases, albeit relatively milder. The symptoms can range from fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes (during the early stages of infection) to the development of a rash that progresses through various stages, often starting with a blister or pustule that ulcerates before scabbing and healing. Some patients may develop the rash first. In the current outbreak, infected patients are often presenting with lesions on their genitals. These lesions visually resemble other infections such as syphilis, herpes, or chickenpox that may also be located in genital areas, which can lead to misdiagnosis.

How is monkeypox spread?

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), monkeypox transmission can occurs when an individual is in direct contact with an infected person’s body fluids, sores, or contaminated items (e.g., bedding, clothing, and towels). Spread can also occur through respiratory secretions, especially within close proximity or face-to-face contact.

Current status of monkeypox

While the world is still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, monkeypox has emerged in countries where the pathogen is not usually endemic. This unexpected outbreak is reason for high alert and public health concern. As of July 5, 2022, the CDC has reported 6,924 cases of monkeypox globally and 559 cases in the US. The three countries with the most human cases to date are Spain, the UK, and Germany.

Current testing methodologies and guidelines

Per CDC and WHO guidelines, suspected monkeypox cases should be tested for accurate treatment. Testing must be conducted in appropriately equipped laboratories by staff scientists and technicians that are fully aware of safety guidelines and handling procedures for virally infected specimens. Monkeypox virus infections are confirmed via nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT), either by using real-time or conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect unique sequences of monkeypox viral DNA. PCR can be employed alone or in conjunction with sequencing techniques. 

Per CDC guidelines, “culture-based testing should be limited to the CDC.” Material from skin lesions, including swabs of the lesion surface and/or exudate and roofs or crusts collected from one or more lesions, are the recommended sample types for testing. In the US, all positive test results are reported to the CDC for monitoring and tracking purposes. 

Prevention and treatment

While there are currently no set guidelines for the treatment of monkeypox, because monkeypox and smallpox have genetic similarities, the CDC has suggested that antivirals and vaccines developed and used for smallpox can be used to treat and prevent monkeypox disease.

At present, ACAM200TM (live vaccine manufactured by Emergent BioSolutions) and JYNNEOSTM (live, non-replicating, attenuated vaccine manufactured by Bavarian Nordic) are the two FDA-licensed vaccines in the USs to prevent smallpox. The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has advised that the ACAM2000 or JYNNEOS vaccines may be administered to people at high risk for exposure to monkeypox (including orthopoxviruses testing and treating laboratorians and health care personnel). This type of pre-exposure vaccination is referred to as PrEP.  

Regarding the treatment of infected patients that are immunocompromised and/or show severe disease symptoms, the antiviral tecovirimat (TPOXX®) may be used.

When it comes to non-pharmaceutical preventive interventions, the best strategy by which a community can control and prevent any infectious disease spread is by reducing human contact with infected animals and people. Furthermore, continual surveillance and education of the general public is another effective measure for containing disease spread. The CDC is actively tracking monkeypox cases within the US and globally. In addition, they have listed a number of preventive and safety measures for monkeypox that can help minimize the viral transmission and spread.


Pallavi Upadhyay, PhD
Pallavi Upadhyay, PhD

Pallavi Upadhyay, PhD, is an infectious disease scientist and researcher, scientific and medical writer, and consultant. In her full-time role as the director of scientific and clinical affairs at HealthTrackRx company, she oversees the development and implementation of diagnostic assays and clinical studies. She also directs the research and development and scientific publication initiatives in the company. Dr. Upadhyay holds a PhD in molecular biology from Texas Woman’s University. Her professional expertise and interest include molecular diagnostics and techniques, molecular microbiology, advanced data analytics, and scientific writing.


Tags:

Health CareVaccinesPatientsPublic HealthInfectious DiseaseCoronavirusMonkeypox
Top Image:
Monkeypox has emerged in countries where the pathogen is not usually endemic.
iStock, narvikk