Lmst

I wonder how many unidentified pox viruses there are in the US and Europe?

With rural areas turning into suburbs and/or tourist destinations, the pathogens might find us before we find them.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6106440/

#InfectiousDisease #Zoonosis #Orthopoxvirus #poxvirus

#Mpox #mRNA-1769 #vaccine inhibits #orthopoxvirus #replication at intranasal, intrarectal, and cutaneous sites of inoculation {in animal model}, https://etidiohnew.blogspot.com/2024/12/mpox-mrna-1769-vaccine-inhibits.html

Source: Lancet, https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)02188-3/abstract?rss=yes

Summary
Background
Monkeypox virus clade I is endemic in several central African countries and characterised by an increase in disease severity and mortality. Since October, 2023, a large-scale mpox outbreak has emerged in DR Congo, and in March, 2024, the first individuals with mpox were reported outside the endemic areas in Republic of the Congo. We aimed to provide insight into the epidemic by sequencing samples obtained from individuals with mpox in Republic of the Congo.

Methods
In this cross-sectional, descriptive study, samples were collected from individuals with suspected mpox between Jan 15 and April 8, 2024, in Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, Likouala, Cuvette-Centrale, and Plateaux (Republic of the Congo). Blood samples, skin or oropharyngeal swabs, or skin crusts were obtained for molecular diagnosis via real-time PCR. Monkeypox virus sequences were obtained and analysed using newly established nanopore sequencing methodology and bioinformatic pipeline. The sequences obtained were aligned and used to construct a maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree using IG-TREE.

Findings
61 samples were collected from individuals with suspected mpox, 31 of which were positive for monkeypox virus and were included in our analysis (four positive samples were excluded due to unavailability of epidemiological data or insufficient biological material). Individuals who tested positive for monkeypox virus were from Cuvette-Centrale (19 [61%] of 31), Likouala (eight [26%]), and Pointe-Noire (four [13%]). 20 (65%) were male and 11 (35%) were female. Phylogenetic analysis of sequences showed two major clusters within clade Ia. One cluster was made up of four sequences from this study clustering with two monkeypox virus sequences from the current DR Congo outbreak, three older sequences from Central African Republic sequenced between 2017 and 2018, and seven sequences from DR Congo sequenced in 2006–07 and 2022. The second cluster was made up of 16 sequences from this study clustering with sequences from the current DR Congo outbreak. In addition, sequences from Republic of the Congo show multiple phylogenetic positioning suggesting the occurrence of multiple co-circulating strains in the human population.

Interpretation
Our findings suggest that multiple monkeypox virus strains are co-circulating in the human population, highlighting the need for implementation of expanded mpox surveillance, especially in countries bordering DR Congo and Republic of the Congo, in combination with control measures focused on containing the current outbreaks in these countries to prevent escalation into a larger-scale epidemic.

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https://etidioh.wordpress.com/2024/11/08/genetic-sequencing-analysis-of-mpox-virus-clade-i-in-republic-of-the-congo-a-cross-sectional-descriptive-study/

#abstract #health #monkeypox #mpox #news #orthopoxvirus #republicOfCongo #research #WHO

Source: UKHSA, https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-detects-first-case-of-clade-ib-mpox

Two cases of Clade Ib mpox have been detected in household contacts of the first case, the UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA) can confirm. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 3.

The 2 patients are currently under specialist care at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London. The risk to the UK population remains low.

There has been extensive planning underway to ensure healthcare professionals are equipped and prepared to respond to any further confirmed cases.

Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, said:

”Mpox is very infectious in households with close contact and so it is not unexpected to see further cases within the same household.

”The overall risk to the UK population remains low. We are working with partners to make sure all contacts of the cases are identified and contacted to reduce the risk of further spread.

”Contacts of all 3 cases are being followed up by UKHSA and partner organisations. All contacts will be offered testing and vaccination as needed and advised on any necessary further care if they have symptoms or test positive.

(…)

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https://etidioh.wordpress.com/2024/11/05/the-uk-health-security-agency-ukhsa-confirms-2-additional-cases-of-clade-ib-mpox/

#clusterOfCases #health #monkeypox #mpox #news #orthopoxvirus #UK #updates

Source: Viruses, https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/16/11/1737

Abstract
This study provides an in-depth analysis of mpox, encompassing its history, characteristics, epidemiology, diagnostics, treatment options, and the ongoing evolution of the virus and its transmission dynamics. Mpox, though once successfully eradicated, has re-emerged with new modes of transmission and a broader host range. Genomic analyses have revealed the virus’s adaptability, posing challenges for diagnostics and vaccine efficacy. The epidemiology has shifted from sporadic zoonotic transmission in rural Africa to a significant presence in urban areas, particularly impacting high-risk populations. Advancements in diagnostics and therapeutics offer hope, but challenges persist. This work underscores the critical need for enhanced surveillance, vaccination strategies, and continued research to bolster global health systems and preparedness for future outbreaks.

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https://etidioh.wordpress.com/2024/11/05/mpox-resurgence-a-multifaceted-analysis-for-global-preparedness/

#abstract #mpox #orthopoxvirus #pandemicPreparedness #research

Servicio de Noticias en Salud, https://boletinaldia.sld.cu/aldia/2024/09/23/una-ciudad-minera-en-el-congo-es-foco-de-la-viruela-simica-mientras-se-propaga-una-nueva-cepa/

”Su hija es una de las más de 6 000 personas que habrían contraído la enfermedad en la provincia de Kivu del Sur, el epicentro del más reciente brote mundial de mpox o viruela símica, calificado por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) como emergencia sanitaria mundial. Una nueva cepa del virus se está propagando, principalmente a través del contacto piel con piel, incluido, entre otros, las relaciones sexuales. La falta de fondos, vacunas e información dificulta detener la propagación, según expertos en enfermedades.”

(…)

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https://etidioh.wordpress.com/2024/09/23/una-ciudad-minera-en-el-congo-es-foco-de-la-viruela-simica-mientras-se-propaga-una-nueva-cepa/

#DRC #mpox #orthopoxvirus