Monkeypox: Diagnostics and Treatment

Table of Contents

Introduction
Monkeypox: Causes, Identification, Effects
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Monkeypox refers to a viral zoonosis with signs similar to those manifested in smallpox patients but tends to be clinically less severe. Following the eradication of the smallpox virus combined with the termination of its vaccination, this virus remains the most significant orthopox virus in public health. The virus majorly occurs in west and central Africa, predominantly in regions near tropical rainforests, with substantial spread to towns. Animal hosts to this virus encompass rodents and non-human primates. In many cases, the virus leads to flu-like signs, including chills and fever, coupled with a rash that can last a few weeks. Treatment for this disease is not yet established, although it normally clears on its own.

Monkeypox: Causes, Identification, Effects

Monkeypox is an infrequent illness caused by contagion of the monkeypox virus. The disease was first known in 1958 by a group of investigators conducting research (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). Hosts of Monkeypox are numerous and include animals such as tree squirrels, rope squirrels, dormice, Gambian pouched rats, and various species of monkeys (United Nations, 2022).

The natural reservoir of this virus is not yet clear, although rodents are tipped to be the most likely source. Feeding on poorly cooked meat and products of other infected animals poses a potential risk factor. Human-human transmission may occur from contact with respiratory secretions, freshly contaminated items, and skin abrasions of an infected individual. It can also be caused by respiratory droplets that normally require extended physical contact. Monkeypox can also be caused transplacentally, resulting in congenital monkeypox.

Laboratory culture of the monkeypox virus should not be carried out in a viral testing setting. Moreover, testing for the presence of the virus relies on the quality and type of the specimen. The preferred laboratory testing procedure is Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) since it is highly accurate and sensitive (World Health Organization, 2022). Samples should be obtained from skin lesions, especially from fluid from pustules and vesicles as well as from dry crust. However, PCR tests from blood samples are not recommended due to the brief period of viremia considering the duration of specimen collection following the commencement of symptoms (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022).

Monkeypox virus, like all other viruses possess not a motile mechanism. Monkeypox virus motility is dissimilar from those that exist in eukaryotic and bacterial cells. Species of the virus are naturally found in rodents and various species of monkeys. Historically, the central African clade has caused more serious diseases and is perceived to be largely transmissible (Altindis et al., 2022). The locational separation between the mentioned clades has been in Cameroon since both viruses have been detected. It has two unique clades, the west African and Congo Basin (central African) clades.

The effect of the virus on other species besides the documented ones is still not conclusively known. However, the monkeypox virus is zoonotic and can spread from animals to human beings (Venkatesan, 2022). Since the natural host of the virus is perceived to be some rodents and monkey, possible effect on other species can happen. Moreover, individuals with monkeypox disease should try to reduce close contact with various animals, including, domestic animals, pets, and wildlife to avert the possible spread of this virus. The virus is double-stranded DNA and enveloped belonging to the Orthopox genus (World Health Organization, 2022). The virus cannot be classified under the gram-positive or gram-negative framework since they lack peptidoglycan layer normally found in bacterium cell.

Conclusion

In conclusion, monkeypox is an intermittent disease though clinically less severe disease compared to the eradicated smallpox disease. The virus is double-stranded DNA and enveloped belonging to the Orthopox genus. The virus is majorly found in west and central Africa, largely in areas close to rainforests, with considerable spread to the town in recent years. Animal hosts to this virus encompass rodents and non-human primates. The preferred laboratory testing procedure is Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) since it is highly accurate and sensitive.