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Review
. 2023 Sep;478(9):2097-2110.
doi: 10.1007/s11010-022-04657-0. Epub 2023 Jan 10.

Human monkeypox: epidemiology, transmission, pathogenesis, immunology, diagnosis and therapeutics

Manish Thakur  1 , Pratikshya Das  2 , Ranbir Chander Sobti  3 , Tejinder Kaur  4
Affiliations
Review

Human monkeypox: epidemiology, transmission, pathogenesis, immunology, diagnosis and therapeutics

Manish Thakur et al. Mol Cell Biochem. 2023 Sep.

Abstract

"Zoonoses" describe diseases that may be acquired by humans from animals. Due to the constant contact between humans and other animals, many infectious diseases are disseminated. This may happen via direct contact, such as bites or scratches, or by indirect contact, such as when eating bush meat or using contaminated animal parts. Monkeypox disease is one such zoonotic infection which is now emerging as a disease of global concern, and the World Health Organization has already labelled it a public health emergency. The virus is related to other orthopox viruses and may be further classified into two genetically separate clades, the West African and the Central African. The latter is far more pathogenic than the former. Utilizing virotransducer and virostealth proteins, the virus is able to control the host's T-cell-mediated responses and impede the release of cytokines and chemokines.Monkeypox may be treated with tecovirimat, cidofovir, or brincidofovir, and prevention with the vaccination JYNNEOS is recommended. The disease's fast global expansion warrants concern despite the fact that it is less fatal than that caused by the variola virus. Before the sickness reaches catastrophic proportions, we must draw on our prior experiences and act prudently. This article serves as an introduction to the monkeypox virus and its associated pathology, treatments, diagnostics, and preventative measures.

Keywords: Diagnosis; Immunomodulation; Monkeypox; Pathology; Treatment; Vaccines.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Map showing worldwide distribution of MPXV cases till 16 Nov 2022. The map has been created by using data wrapper software
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Different routes of animal–human and human–human transmission of MPXV
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Treatment options for the monkeypox disease, and their underlying mechanisms of action. Brincidofovir and cidofovir stop the viral replication by inhibiting DNA polymerase enzyme. Tecovirimat on the other hand interferes with the viral envelope formation. Another antiviral drug NIOCH-14 is known to stop viral replication by serving as nucleoside
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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