Monkeypox: Transmission, Clinical Features, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Dr. Charmi Bhanushali , Vidhi Bhanushali

Dr. Charmi Bhanushali , Vidhi Bhanushali

Keywords: monkeypox virus, smallpox, orthopoxvirus, skin lesions, antiviral medications, ring vaccination

Abstract

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease that is caused by the Monkeypox virus (MPX). MPX is similar to the virus that causes smallpox. It was endemic to central and west regions of Africa but has recently been reported in different parts of the globe. The primary reservoirs of MPX are wild animals particularly primates (Mangabey monkeys), Gambian pouched rats, and squirrels. Most cases of Monkeypox are due to the transmission of the virus from animals to humans. In addition, there have also been instances of human-to-human spread through respiratory droplets, fomites, and sexual contact. Monkeypox has a varied presentation ranging from mild symptoms to severe disabling complications. Real time PCR is used to diagnose orthopoxvirus. Retrospective diagnosis is done using serological tests. Symptomatic management and prevention of secondary infection are the mainstay aim of treatment. Antiviral drugs like cidofovir, brincidofovir, and tecovirimat seem to work against MPX even though there is no specific treatment against the virus. Health education of masses, prophylactic
vaccination, quarantining the exposed, appropriate personal protective equipment for health care workers, etc. is some of the preventive measures to curb the disease. The newer-generation smallpox vaccine, JYNNEOS and the older-generation ACAM20, can also be used for prevention of Monkeypox.

References

1. Petersen E, Kantele A, Koopmans M, Asogun D, Yinka- Ogunleye A, Ihekweazu C, Zumla A. Human Monkeypox: epidemiologic and clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and prevention. Infectious Disease Clinics. 2019;33(4):1027-43. Available from- Human Monkeypox - Infectious Disease Clinics (theclinics.com)
2. John T, Sapha, Sharon T, Juergen R, Andrea A, Luke H, Romain P, Achyuta N, Iain R, Maximillian H, Vanessa A, Christoph B.Monkeypox Virus Infection in Humans across 16 Countries — April–June 2022. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2022. Available from- Monkeypox Virus Infection in Humans across 16 Countries — April–June 2022 | NEJM
3. Alakunle, E.F., Okeke, M.I. Monkeypox virus: a neglected zoonotic pathogen spreads globally. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2022;20:507–508. Available from-Monkeypox virus: a neglected zoonotic pathogen spreads globally | Nature Reviews Microbiology.