Sequencing of viral genomes from recent outbreaks reveals that mpox virus has been circulating among humans for longer than previously recognized.
Mpox was previously considered to be a zoonotic disease transmitted to humans from a rodent reservoir. However, epidemiologic studies of an outbreak in Nigeria that arose in 2017 suggested human-to-human transmission, including through sexual contact. Now, by comparing mpox virus (MPXV) sequences from recent outbreaks (including in Nigeria and the ongoing 2022 global outbreak) to those from earlier infections, investigators have found evidence of sustained MPXV circulation among humans since at least 2016.
MPXV clade IIb has been implicated in the recent outbreaks. Clade IIb sequences from 2017 to 2022 exhibit mutational evolution rates much higher than those seen in earlier clade IIb viruses or other MPVX clades. The clade IIb mutational pa…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresGrant/Research SupportNIH
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; ID Images (idimages.org); Infectious Diseases Society of America COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines; International Antiviral Society–USA (Guidelines Committee)
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesHIV Medicine Association; Infectious Diseases Society of America (Board of Directors)
DisclosuresGrant/Research SupportNIH
Editorial BoardsUpToDate; ID Images (idimages.org); Infectious Diseases Society of America COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines; International Antiviral Society–USA (Guidelines Committee)
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesHIV Medicine Association; Infectious Diseases Society of America (Board of Directors)