MPOX VIRUS - SCI &
TECH
News: The ‘genomic accordion’ mpox
viruses use to evolve, infect humans
What's in the news?
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The mpox virus, formerly known as monkeypox, has a
unique evolutionary mechanism referred to as a “genomic accordion.”
Key takeaways:
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An analysis of patients hospitalised between
October and January in Kamituga, eastern Congo, suggested recent genetic
mutations in Mpox are the result of its continued transmission in humans.
Genomic Accordion:
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It describes the virus’s ability to adapt and evolve through the expansion and
contraction of its genome.
Monkeypox:
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Monkeypox, or mpox is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus which belongs
to the orthopoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family.
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According to the WHO, cases occur close to tropical rainforests inhabited by
animals that carry the virus.
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Monkeypox virus infection has been detected in
squirrels, Gambian pouched rats, dormice, and some species of monkeys.
Mpox Virus:
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It belongs to the family Poxviridae, which consists of large, double-stranded DNA viruses.
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The virus was first identified in monkeys in 1958
but has since been found to infect humans as well.
Virus Types:
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Clade I: Associated with Central Africa, causing more
severe illness with mortality rates up to 10% during outbreaks.
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Clade II: Endemic to West Africa, responsible for the global
2022 outbreak, less severe with survival rates over 99.9%.
Symptoms:
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Monkeypox causes symptoms similar to smallpox, although they are less severe.
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Mpox causes signs and symptoms which usually begin
within a week but can start 1–21 days after exposure
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Common symptoms of mpox are a skin rash or mucosal
lesions which can last 2–4 weeks accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches,
back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
Transmission:
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Monkeypox is a zoonosis, that is, a disease that is
transmitted from infected animals to humans. Human-to-human transmission is
limited in nature.
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Mpox can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with someone who is
infectious, with contaminated materials, or with infected animals.
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Transmission can be through contact with bodily
fluids, lesions on the skin or on internal mucosal surfaces, such as in the
mouth or throat, respiratory droplets and contaminated objects.
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WHO confirmed the sexual transmission of Mpox in Congo for the first time in November
2023.
Treatment:
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There is no
safe, proven treatment for monkeypox yet.
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The WHO recommends supportive treatment depending
on the symptoms.
Vaccination:
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Two vaccines are available for reducing the risk
and severity of mpox infection such as JYNNEOS
and ACAM2000.
Other Key Takeaways:
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The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the
mpox outbreak a public health emergency,
leading to coordinated efforts to control its spread.