The virology of human monkeypox virus (hMPXV): A brief overview

Abstract

First described in 1958, the human monkeypox virus (hMPXV) is a neglected zoonotic pathogen closely associated with the smallpox virus. The virus usually spreads via close contact with the infected animal or human and has been endemic mostly in parts of the African continent. However, with the recent increase in trade, tourism, and travel, the virus has caused outbreaks in countries outside Africa. The recent outbreak in 2022 has been puzzling given the lack of epidemiological connection and the possible sexual transmission of the virus. Furthermore, there is limited understanding of the structural and pathogenetic mechanisms that are employed by the virus to invade the host cells. Henceforth, it is critical to understand the working apparatus governing the viral-immune interactions to develop effective therapeutical and prophylactic modalities. Hence, in the present short communication, we summarize the previously reported research findings regarding the virology of the human monkeypox virus.

Keywords: Global; Infections; Monkeypox virus; Pandemic; Sexual transmission; Virology; hMPXV.

Fig. 1

Cluster network charts showing the spread of the human Monkeypox Virus (hMPXV) as of 25th May 2022. (A) Clustering based on country and contact tracing; (B) Clustering based on date of case confirmation and contact tracing.

Fig. 2

Phylogenetic relationship tree based on NCBI taxonomic classes. Green nodes track the taxonomic classification of the human Monkeypox Virus (hMPXV) whilst yellow nodes represent the closely associated viruses with hMPXV. The tree was created using Taxallnomy (available at http://bioinfo.icb.ufmg.br/taxallnomy/; accessed 25th May 2022).