Monkeypox: What do we know so far? A short narrative review of literature

Abstract

Monkeypox was a zoonotic infection, first detected in parts of northern Africa in the 1970s. Monkeypoxvirus, the causative agent of monkeypox, is a species of genus Orthopoxvirus and is closely related to long-eradicated smallpox caused by variola virus. Outbreaks in the West (in USA, UK, and Ireland) along with periodic re-emergence of the disease in parts of Africa have generated concern among global health bodies due to the existent deficiency of guidelines for management of the disease. Genetic variations and altered mechanisms favoring better survival of the virus have made early identification of the disease during screening difficult, particularly in resource-limited settings like rural areas of Africa. Through evidences gathered from experimental studies conducted after these outbreaks, the virus is known to be transmitted from several animal reservoirs along with human-to-human contact of blood, body fluids, or aerosol. Early diagnosis through immunoassays and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, although not very specific, allows early treatment and subsequently better patient survival and recovery. Presence of lymphadenopathy along with fever, sore throat, and a vesiculopustular rash is diagnostic. The virus affects the gastrointestinal, hematological, ocular, and respiratory systems, in like manner producing afflictions of the specific system. Treatment, through experimental data, has been preferred to be symptomatic, with the aim to prevent superinfections. Antivirals like cidofovir and tecovirimat have been studied upon and used in clinical trials with favorable outcomes. Antiviral immunoglobulins have also been used with success in certain patients for postexposure prophylaxis.

Monkeypox Virus Immune Evasion and Eye Manifestation: Beyond Eyelid Implications

“…Furthermore, oedema is prominent at the margins of necrotic areas. Eventually, inflammation and necrosis of the superficial dermis predominate, and the destruction of the sebaceous glands and follicles is evident [119]. The disruption of the skin due to the encrustation of these lesions is a matter of concern as it may cause bacterial superinfections, including encephalitis and pneumonitis [120].…”

Mpox Case Presenting With Genital Lesions and Proctitis

“…7 Typically, Mpox-infected patients presents with a prodrome of fever, chills, headache, lymphadenopathy, back pain, and myalgias that last 1-3 days and is followed by a new-onset rash. 8,9 The cutaneous lesions start as morbilliform, progressing to a papular, vesicular, pustular, and crust stage over 14-21 days, followed by desquamation. 10,11 The recent 2022 outbreak showed that most patients presenting with cutaneous findings lack prodromal symptoms.…”