Mpox (formerly monkeypox): pathogenesis, prevention and treatment

Abstract

In 2022, a global outbreak of Mpox (formerly monkeypox) occurred in various countries across Europe and America and rapidly spread to more than 100 countries and regions. The World Health Organization declared the outbreak to be a public health emergency of international concern due to the rapid spread of the Mpox virus. Consequently, nations intensified their efforts to explore treatment strategies aimed at combating the infection and its dissemination. Nevertheless, the available therapeutic options for Mpox virus infection remain limited. So far, only a few numbers of antiviral compounds have been approved by regulatory authorities. Given the high mutability of the Mpox virus, certain mutant strains have shown resistance to existing pharmaceutical interventions. This highlights the urgent need to develop novel antiviral drugs that can combat both drug resistance and the potential threat of bioterrorism. Currently, there is a lack of comprehensive literature on the pathophysiology and treatment of Mpox. To address this issue, we conducted a review covering the physiological and pathological processes of Mpox infection, summarizing the latest progress of anti-Mpox drugs. Our analysis encompasses approved drugs currently employed in clinical settings, as well as newly identified small-molecule compounds and antibody drugs displaying potential antiviral efficacy against Mpox. Furthermore, we have gained valuable insights from the process of Mpox drug development, including strategies for repurposing drugs, the discovery of drug targets driven by artificial intelligence, and preclinical drug development. The purpose of this review is to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on Mpox.

The first two case reports of confirmed Mpox in patients with syphilis in a dense urban setting, Can Tho, Vietnam: From clinical presentation, treatment, and epidemiological surveillance to prevention

“…Individuals suspected of having Mpox are advised to proactively declare it to local health authorities and promptly contact a medical facility for monitoring and guidance. Furthermore, promotion of health measures is needed, such as ensuring food safety, adopting a healthy lifestyle, increasing physical activity, and improving overall health [7 , 8] . Although the current incidence of Mpox cases may be sporadic, it is crucial to underscore the significance of vaccination as a pivotal preventive strategy against Mpox infection.…”

“…Thus, there is a pressing need for governmental investment in and commitment to the advancement of vaccine research tailored to the prevention of Mpox. The development and deployment of an effective Mpox vaccine would serve as a crucial public health intervention, mitigating the spread of the virus and fortifying the resilience of populations at risk [8] . Adherence to these preventive measures contributes significantly to the reduction of Mpox transmission, safeguarding individual and public health.…”

Factors Related to Mpox-Vaccine Uptake among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Taiwan: Roles of Information Sources and Emotional Problems

“…After the fever and lymphadenectasis, rashes begin to appear on the head and face and gradually spread throughout the body. The rash evolves from papules to vesicles and pustules, ultimately forming crusts that heal, leaving behind scars [ 2 ]. However, the clinical presentation of mpox cases with this outbreak has been atypical compared with previously documented reports.…”

Complete Genome Sequencing, Annotation, and Mutational Profiling of the Novel Clade I Human Mpox Virus, Kamituga Strain

“…Mpox (formerly monkeypox) is an emerging zoonotic disease caused by the Mpox virus (MPXV) first isolated in 1958 from smallpox-like lesions in cynomolgus monkeys [1][2][3][4]. The first human infection caused by Mpox was diagnosed in a boy from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 1970 [5].…”

“…The route of Mpox transmission also depends on the specific Clade responsible for infection. Symptoms associated with Mpox infection also vary depending on the Clade, but Mpox generally presents as a febrile, selflimiting disease with headache, myalgia, back pain, lethargy, lymphadenopathy, and rash, which may progress to larger ulcers in areas of the face, genitals, and eyes during instances of severe infection [4].…”