mpox

Mpox Overview

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease caused by an orthopoxvirus called the Monkeypox virus (MPXV). It is a rare but potentially serious illness that can cause a range of symptoms.

Symptoms of Mpox

The symptoms of mpox typically begin with flu-like symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Muscle ache
• Back pain

These initial symptoms are followed by the development of a rash, which is a key characteristic of the disease. The rash can progress from vesicles (small blisters) to crusting over the course of two weeks.

Transmission and Spread

Mpox is primarily spread through close contact with an infected person or animal host, such as rodents or nonhuman primates. It is not typically transmitted through casual contact or airborne transmission.

Comparison to Smallpox

The clinical presentation of mpox is similar to smallpox, another viral disease caused by an orthopoxvirus. However, the symptoms and progression of the two diseases can differ slightly.

Key Facts about Mpox

• Mpox is a rare infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus.
• The virus spreads mainly through close contact with an infected person or animal host.
• Symptoms include flu-like symptoms followed by a rash that progresses from vesicles to crusting over time.
• Mpox can be serious, but prompt medical attention and treatment can help manage the disease.

References:

[1] - Overview of mpox (search result 1) [2] - Overview of mpox (search result 2) [3] - Description of mpox symptoms (search result 3) [4] - Transmission and spread of mpox (search result 5) [5] - Comparison to smallpox (search result 9)

Common Signs and Symptoms of Mpox

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that can cause a range of symptoms in infected individuals. The signs and symptoms of mpox can vary from person to person, but some common ones include:

• Rash: A rash is one of the most distinctive symptoms of mpox, and it often begins with flat red spots that can eventually develop into blisters or pus-filled lesions [2]. The rash may start on the face, arms, or legs, and can spread to other parts of the body.
• Fever: Many people who contract mpox experience a fever, which can range from mild to severe [1].
• Chills: Chills are another common symptom of mpox, and they can occur alongside fever [6].
• Swollen lymph nodes: Swollen lymph nodes, also known as lymphadenopathy, are a sign that the body's immune system is responding to the infection [5].
• Headache: Headaches are a frequent complaint among people with mpox, and they can range from mild to severe [3].
• Muscle aches and backache: Muscle aches and backache are other common symptoms of mpox, which can make it difficult for individuals to move around or perform daily activities [4].
• Respiratory symptoms: Some people with mpox may experience respiratory symptoms such as sore throat or cough [1].

It's worth noting that the severity and duration of these symptoms can vary widely from person to person. In most cases, mpox is a self-limiting disease that resolves on its own within 2-4 weeks, but in some cases it can lead to more serious complications.

References: [1] - Context result 5 [2] - Context result 2 [3] - Context result 7 [4] - Context result 4 [5] - Context result 5 [6] - Context result 6

Diagnostic Tests for Mpox

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, can be diagnosed through various laboratory-based tests. Here are some key points about the diagnostic tests for mpox:

• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test: This is a widely used test to diagnose mpox. It involves analyzing a sample from a lesion or rash using PCR technology [2]. The WHO has listed several PCR tests, including the Xpert Mpox test, which is designed for use on automated platforms [4].
• Laboratory-Based Testing: Confirmatory testing for mpox must be performed in a laboratory setting. There is no at-home option available [5].
• Viral Swab Test: A viral swab taken from a vesicle or ulcer can be used to diagnose mpox through PCR testing [7]. It's recommended to send two samples for testing.
• FDA-Approved Tests: Labcorp runs the CDC's test for detecting mpox, which has been FDA-approved for diagnosing mpox. This test is based on highly sensitive PCR technology [8].
• Gold Standard for Diagnosis: Detection of viral DNA by PCR testing is considered the gold standard for mpox diagnosis [9].

Serological Tests

In addition to PCR tests, serological tests can also be used to diagnose mpox. These include:

• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): This test detects antibodies against the virus in a patient's blood.
• Lateral Flow Assays (LFAs): This test uses a lateral flow device to detect antibodies or antigens in a patient's sample.
• Plaque Reduction Neutralization Testing (PRNT): This test measures the ability of a patient's serum to neutralize the virus.

These serological tests are mentioned in [6] as potential tools for diagnosing mpox. However, PCR testing remains the gold standard for diagnosis.

References

[1] Not applicable [2] Dec 11, 2023 - Currently, mpox testing is done using a laboratory-based technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). [4] Oct 30, 2024 - WHO listed the Xpert Mpox, a real-time PCR test manufactured by Cepheid under its EUL procedure, on 25 October. [5] Aug 20, 2024 - The key takeaway is that, for now, confirmatory testing for mpox must be performed in the lab. [6] by SJR da Silva · 2023 · Cited by 17 — These serological tests include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), lateral flow assays (LFAs), plaque reduction neutralization testing (PRNT), ... [7] Mpox is diagnosed by PCR test for MPXV on a viral swab taken from a vesicle or ulcer. [8] Labcorp runs the CDC's test for detecting mpox. It has been FDA approved for diagnosing mpox and is based on highly sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) ... [9] Oct 4, 2024 — Detection of viral DNA by PCR testing is the gold standard for mpox diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Mpox

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that can be treated with various medications. While there are no specific treatments approved by the FDA, several antiviral drugs and biologics have shown promise in helping to manage the symptoms.

• Antiviral Medications: Tecovirimat (TPOXX), cidofovir, and brincidofovir are three antiviral medications that have been reported to have inhibitory activity against monkeypox virus. These drugs may be used to treat patients who are very sick or pregnant.
• Over-the-Counter Medications: Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and NSAIDs can be used for general pain control in patients with mpox. Topical steroids and anesthetics may also be recommended.

Important Considerations

It's essential to note that the safety and efficacy of TPOXX (tecovirimat) to treat mpox in humans have not been established. Additionally, specific agents such as tecovirimat, brincidofovir, and cidofovir may be useful for the treatment of mpox.

References

• [1] There are no treatments specifically for mpox, but there are FDA-regulated drugs and biologics that may help. (Source: Search Result 1)
• [2] Several antiviral medications approved for other uses may be used to treat mpox. (Source: Search Result 2)
• [3] Tecovirimat (TPOXX) or cidofovir/brincidofovir may be used to treat patients who are very sick or pregnant. (Source: Search Result 3)
• [4] Topical steroids and anesthetics may also be recommended for general pain control in patients with mpox. (Source: Search Result 6)
• [5] Tecovirimat, cidofovir, and brincidofovir have had reported inhibitory activity against monkeypox virus. (Source: Search Result 7)
• [8] Several antivirals may be useful for the treatment of mpox (tecovirimat, brincidofovir, cidofovir). (Source: Search Result 8)

Differential Diagnosis of Mpox

Mpox, also known as monkeypox, can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity in symptoms with other infections and conditions. Here are some differential diagnoses that should be considered:

• Bacterial tonsillitis: Isolated oropharyngeal mpox may be mistaken for bacterial tonsillitis, which is an infection of the tonsils caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pyogenes [2].
• Primary oral herpes: Mpox can also be confused with primary oral herpes, a viral infection that causes sores in the mouth and on the lips [2].
• Syphilis: The rash associated with mpox can be similar to the rash seen in syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum [1].
• Chancroid: Chancroid is another sexually transmitted disease that causes painful ulcers on the genitals and can be mistaken for mpox [1].
• Disseminated gonococcal infection: This condition, caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, can cause a rash similar to mpox [1].
• Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV): LGV is a sexually transmitted disease that causes a painful rash and swelling in the lymph nodes, which can be confused with mpox [1].

It's essential to note that mpox has distinct clinical symptoms, including high fever, fatigue, chills, headache, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, and a disseminated painful rash [3][6]. A thorough medical examination and laboratory tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis of mpox.

References: [1] Context result 1 [2] Context result 2 [3] Context result 3 [6] Context result 6