Emergence of monkeypox virus in central Argentina: Epidemiological features and first complete genome sequences in the country.

Monkeypox (Mpox) is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). MPXV can be transmitted by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated materials. A new pattern of spread among sexual networks has been recently described. The present work aimed to report the epidemiological and genomic characterization of the 2022 MPXV outbreak in central Argentina. A total of 113 scabs and/or lesion swab specimens were studied. MPXV infection was confirmed in 46.0% of the studied patients, all of whom were men. Varicella-zoster virus infection was the most frequent differential diagnosis. Eight complete viral genomes were obtained by next-generation sequencing. The Argentinian sequences were grouped intermingled with other sequences from the 2022 MPXV outbreak, related to samples from the USA, Europe, and Peru. Taken together, our study provided an initial assessment of the genetic and epidemiological characteristics of the 2022 MPXV outbreak in Córdoba, Argentina.

Detection of Multiple Human Viruses, including Mpox, Using a Wastewater Surveillance Approach in Brazil.

Sewage surveillance can be used as an effective complementary tool for detecting pathogens in local communities, providing insights into emerging threats and aiding in the monitoring of outbreaks. In this study using qPCR and whole genomic sewage surveillance, we detected the Mpox virus along with other viruses, in municipal and hospital wastewaters in Belo Horizonte, Brazil over a 9-month period (from July 2022 until March 2023). MPXV DNA detection rates varied in our study, with 19.6% (11 out of 56 samples) detected through the hybrid capture method of whole-genome sequencing and 20% (12 out of 60 samples) through qPCR. In hospital wastewaters, the detection rate was higher, at 40% (12 out of 30 samples) compared to 13.3% (4 out of 30 samples) in municipal wastewaters. This variation could be attributed to the relatively low number of MPXV cases reported in the city, which ranged from 106 to 341 cases during the study period, and the dilution effects, given that each of the two wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) investigated serves approximately 1.1 million inhabitants. Additionally, nine other virus families were identified in both hospitals and municipal wastewaters, including Adenoviridade, Astroviridae, Caliciviridae, Picornaviridade, Polyomaviridae, Coronaviridae (which includes SARS-CoV-2), Herspesviridae, Papillomaviridae and Flaviviridae (notably including Dengue). These findings underscore the potential of genomic sewage surveillance as a robust public health tool for monitoring a wide range of viruses circulating in both community and hospitals environments, including MPXV.

Immunoinformatic Approach for Rational Identification of Immunogenic Peptides Against Host Entry and/or Exit Mpox Proteins and Potential Multiepitope Vaccine Construction.

COVID-19 has intensified humanity's concern about the emergence of new pandemics. Since 2018, epidemic outbreaks of the mpox virus have become worrisome. In June 2022, the World Health Organization declared the disease a global health emergency, with 14 500 cases reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 60 countries. Therefore, the development of a vaccine based on the current virus genome is paramount in combating new cases. In view of this, we hypothesized the obtainment of rational immunogenic peptides predicted from proteins responsible for entry of the mpox virus into the host (A17L, A26L/A30L, A33R, H2R, L1R), exit (A27L, A35R, A36R, C19L), and both (B5R). To achieve this, we aligned the genome sequencing data of mpox virus isolated from an infected individual in the United States in June 2022 (ON674051.1) with the reference genome dated 2001 (NC_003310.1) for conservation analysis. The Immune Epitope Database server was used for the identification and characterization of the epitopes of each protein related to major histocompatibility complex I or II interaction and recognition by B-cell receptors, resulting in 138 epitopes for A17L, 233 for A28L, 48 for A33R, 77 for H2R, 77 for L1R, 270 for A27L, 72 for A35R, A36R, 148 for C19L, and 276 for B5R. These epitopes were tested in silico for antigenicity, physicochemical properties, and allergenicity, resulting in 51, 40, 10, 34, 38, 57, 25, 7, 47, and 53 epitopes, respectively. Additionally, to select an epitope with the highest promiscuity of binding to major histocompatibility complexes and B-cell receptor simultaneously, all epitopes of each protein were aligned, and the most repetitive and antigenic regions were identified. By classifying the results, we obtained 23 epitopes from the entry proteins, 16 from the exit proteins, and 7 from both. Subsequently, 1 epitope from each protein was selected, and all 3 were fused to construct a chimeric protein that has potential as a multiepitope vaccine. The constructed vaccine was then analyzed for its physicochemical, antigenic, and allergenic properties. Protein modeling, molecular dynamics, and molecular docking were performed on Toll-like receptors 2, 4, and 8, followed by in silico immune simulation of the vaccine. Finally, the results indicate an effective, stable, and safe vaccine that can be further tested, especially in vitro and in vivo, to validate the findings demonstrated in silico.

Primer caso de transmisión de mpox mediante toma de muestra por desteche en Chile / First case report of mpox transmission through unroofing sample collection in Chile

Mpox es una zoonosis vírica que causa síntomas similares a la viruela, aunque menos graves. La infección fue descrita inicialmente en África central y occidental. Luego del brote multinacional ocurrido el año 2022, ya no es considerada una emergencia de salud pública de importancia internacional. El mecanismo de transmisión es por contacto físico estrecho o directo con lesiones cutáneas de individuos infectados. Presentamos el caso clínico de una enfermera que se infectó por mpox tras un accidente cortopunzante durante la toma de muestra de una lesión por desteche con bisturí en un paciente con VIH. La transmisión percutánea tuvo un período de incubación corto, seguido de una lesión cutánea y síntomas sistémicos. Aunque infrecuente, se destaca el riesgo de transmisión ocupacional de mpox en la atención clínica. Es importante que el personal sanitario adhiera estrictamente a las medidas de prevención, como el uso de equipo de protección personal y la práctica segura en la toma de muestra.

Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis that causes symptoms similar to smallpox, but less severe. The infection was initially described primarily in central and western Africa. After multi-country outbreak in 2022; it is currently no longer a public health emergency of international concern. The main mode of transmission is through close or direct contact with the skin lesions of an infected individual. We report a case of a nurse was infected with mpox after a needlestick injury during a skin sample collection from an HIV-positive patient. Percutaneous transmission resulted in a short incubation period, followed by a skin lesion and systemic symptoms. This case highlights the risk of occupational transmission of mpox in healthcare settings. It is important for healthcare workers to take rigorous prevention measures, such as the use of appropriate personal protective equipment and safe sample collection practices.

Spectrum of ophthalmic manifestations in monkeypox virus infection worldwide: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Mpox virus infection is a significant public health concern worldwide due to its potential severity and the likelihood of outbreaks occurring across different regions. Ophthalmic manifestations of the disease have been linked with more severe cases, leading to the need for hospitalization and antiviral therapy. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines to summarize the literature available on this topic. The review revealed that ophthalmic manifestations, such as conjunctivitis and periocular umbilicated lesions, are the most common in Mpox virus infections. However, severe manifestations, such as corneal opacity, that can potentially cause blindness may also occur. Antiviral treatment with tecovirimat and topical management for conjunctivitis can be considered for severe cases. However, the evidence quality is poor due to the predominance of case reports and imprecise characterization of the ophthalmic manifestations. Overall, ophthalmologists and healthcare professionals should be aware of these manifestations for early diagnosis and timely treatment.

Mpox: epidemiology, clinical manifestations and recent developments in treatment and prevention.

INTRODUCTION: The 2022 Mpox outbreak is the largest viral outbreak recorded outside of Africa. The recent rise in human outbreaks has led to the perception that Mpox, an emerging zoonotic disease, has potential for epidemic spread. Healthcare practitioners are familiarizing themselves with the varied clinical manifestations and therapeutic approaches for this virus while public health organizations seek to limit the outbreak and treat those affected. In light of the worldwide upsurge, we have assembled a review on Mpox to streamline information access for healthcare professionals. AREAS COVERED: Within this article, you will find an overview outlining the virology, epidemiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and management of Mpox. Furthermore, we provide an analysis of Mpox infective mechanisms and management strategies for children and adolescents in the current literature. EXPERT OPINION: The spread of Mpox to non-endemic regions has elicited public alarm due to the lack of easily available information regarding the virus. While we continue to understand Mpox and its possible evolution increased education and knowledge among the public and healthcare providers is crucial. Through the creation of reviews that compile crucial information into a centralized location, we can assist in lessening the harmful effects of the virus through caution and education.