Exploring the key genomic variation in monkeypox virus during the 2022 outbreak

Abstract

Background In 2022, a global outbreak of monkeypox occurred with a significant shift in its epidemiological characteristics. The monkeypox virus (MPXV) belongs to the B.1 lineage, and its genomic variations that were linked to the outbreak were investigated in this study. Previous studies have suggested that viral genomic variation plays a crucial role in the pathogenicity and transmissibility of viruses. Therefore, understanding the genomic variation of MPXV is crucial for controlling future outbreaks. Methods This study employed bioinformatics and phylogenetic approaches to evaluate the key genomic variation in the B.1 lineage of MPXV. A total of 979 MPXV strains were screened, and 212 representative strains were analyzed to identify specific substitutions in the viral genome. Reference sequences were constructed for each of the 10 lineages based on the most common nucleotide at each site. A total of 49 substitutions were identified, with 23 non-synonymous substitutions. Class I variants, which had significant effects on protein conformation likely to affect viral characteristics, were classified among the non-synonymous substitutions. Results The phylogenetic analysis revealed 10 relatively monophyletic branches. The study identified 49 substitutions specific to the B.1 lineage, with 23 non-synonymous substitutions that were classified into Class I, II, and III variants. The Class I variants were likely responsible for the observed changes in the characteristics of circulating MPXV in 2022. These key mutations, particularly Class I variants, played a crucial role in the pathogenicity and transmissibility of MPXV. Conclusion This study provides an understanding of the genomic variation of MPXV in the B.1 lineage linked to the recent outbreak of monkeypox. The identification of key mutations, particularly Class I variants, sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed changes in the characteristics of circulating MPXV. Further studies can focus on functional domains affected by these mutations, enabling the development of effective control strategies against future monkeypox outbreaks.

Modeling lesion transition dynamics to clinically characterize mpox patients in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

“…Both clades have been endemic in countries in Central and West Africa, spreading mainly by animalto-human transmission [4][5][6][7][8]. A recent global mpox outbreak with clade IIb emerged through human-to-human transmission in Western countries, predominantly affecting men who have sex with men via sexually associated transmission, starting in May 2022 [9][10][11][12]. Initially rapid, the mpox outbreak was no longer considered a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) by May 2023 [13].…”

“…10 Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale, Ministère de la Santé Publique, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 11 Division of Medicine, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, Maryland, United States of America. 12 Institute of Mathematics for Industry, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan. 13 Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.…”

Global Re-emergence of Monkeypox: A Synoptic Review

“…For instance, the 2022 mpox virus differs from the related 2018-2019 viruses by a mean of 50 single-nucleotide polymorphisms, far greater than expected (about 6-12 times) based on previous estimates of the substitution rates for orthopoxviruses. 33 The apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing catalytic polypeptide-like 3 (APOBEC3) enzyme may account for the global mpox outbreak in 2022. These biased mutations (from GA to AA or TC to TT) in the genomes of the 2022 mpox viruses indicate an accelerated evolution driven by APOBEC3.…”

Reemergence of Clade IIb–Associated Mpox, Germany, July–December 2023

“…Mpox is caused by infection with monkeypox virus (MPXV). Phylogenomically and clinically, clades I and II can be distinguished; clade II has 2 subclades, IIa and IIb ( 1 ). In July 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global clade IIb–associated mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern ( 2 ).…”