What we know and what we don't know about monkeypox
What We Know:
Virus Family & Origins:
Monkeypox belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes the smallpox virus. It was first discovered in 1958 in monkeys, though its primary reservoirs are believed to be rodents. The first human case was identified in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Transmission:
Zoonotic Transmission: The virus can be transmitted from animals (mainly rodents and primates) to humans through direct contact with bodily fluids, lesions, or through bites.
Human-to-Human Transmission: This occurs primarily via close contact, respiratory droplets, or through contact with contaminated materials like bedding.
Sexual transmission has been highlighted in recent outbreaks, particularly among men who have sex with men, though the virus itself is not classified as an STI.
Symptoms:
Initial symptoms resemble the flu: fever, headaches, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. This is followed by a characteristic rash that progresses from macules to papules, vesicles, pustules, and scabs. The rash often starts on the face and spreads.
Monkeypox is generally less severe than smallpox, with a lower fatality rate.
Vaccines:
Smallpox vaccines (like ACAM2000 and JYNNEOS) offer protection against monkeypox due to the similarity between the viruses.
JYNNEOS has been approved for monkeypox in several countries, especially in response to recent outbreaks.
Treatment:
Tecovirimat (Tpoxx), an antiviral originally developed for smallpox, has shown effectiveness in treating monkeypox.
Supportive care is typically sufficient for mild cases, while severe cases may require antiviral intervention.
Outbreaks:
Historically, monkeypox outbreaks have been localized to Central and West Africa.
However, since 2022, significant outbreaks have occurred outside Africa, notably in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, raising concerns about its spread in non-endemic regions.
Mortality Rate:
The case fatality rate (CFR) varies by strain. The Central African strain has a higher CFR (up to 10%), while the West African strain's CFR is generally lower (1-3%).
What We Don't Know:
Reservoir Species:
While rodents are the suspected primary reservoirs, the exact animal species harboring and transmitting the virus in nature remain uncertain.
Role of Asymptomatic Carriers:
It is unclear if asymptomatic individuals can spread monkeypox, which complicates tracking and controlling outbreaks.
Sustained Human Transmission:
Whether monkeypox can sustain transmission within human populations over the long term remains to be seen. Most outbreaks to date have eventually been controlled, but the recent global spread outside endemic areas has raised new questions.
Impact of Virus Evolution:
The potential for monkeypox virus mutations that could increase transmissibility or change disease severity is a concern, though it has not been well-documented. Future viral evolution remains an unknown factor in the long-term outlook.
Sexual Transmission Dynamics:
While monkeypox has been associated with sexual contact in recent outbreaks, particularly in men who have sex with men, the exact role of sexual fluids in transmission is still unclear.
Long-Term Immunity:
The duration of immunity after infection or vaccination is not fully known. Individuals who were vaccinated against smallpox before routine vaccination ceased (in the 1970s) may have some level of protection, but the longevity of this immunity is debated.
Future Outbreak Patterns:
Whether monkeypox will become endemic in new regions or if the outbreaks will continue to be sporadic is uncertain. More data and surveillance are needed to predict future patterns.
Sekbio Monkeypox-related products
> Monkey Pox Ag rapid test , and uncut sheet
> Monkey Pox Ab Rapid test , and uncut sheet
Monkeypox antibodies pair
Product Name | Cat. No. | Description |
Monkey Pox mAb - Capture | MP-1 | Mouse anti-Monkeypox Virus (MPXV) A29 protein monoclonal antibody |
Monkey Pox mAb - Detection | MP-2 | Mouse anti-Monkeypox Virus (MPXV) A29 protein monoclonal antibody |
Monkeypox recombinant antigens
Product Name | Catalog No. | Target epitope |
Recombinant Monkeypox Virus Protein (A29L) | XP01, MVPA29L | A29L |
Recombinant Monkeypox Virus Protein (A35R) | MVPA35R | A35R |
Recombinant Monkeypox Virus Protein (M1R) | MVPM1R | M1R |
