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

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2022-12

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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.

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Funding Information: The support of ECOMSIR (European Collaboration of Medical Students in Research) and Riga Stradiņš University (RSU) is greatly acknowledged. Publisher Copyright: © 2022 The Authors

Keywords

Global, hMPXV, Infections, Monkeypox virus, Pandemic, Sexual transmission, Virology, 1.6 Biological sciences, 3.3 Health sciences, 1.1. Scientific article indexed in Web of Science and/or Scopus database, Virology, Infectious Diseases, Cancer Research, SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being

Citation

Lansiaux, E, Jain, N, Laivacuma, S & Reinis, A 2022, 'The virology of human monkeypox virus (hMPXV) : A brief overview', Virus Research, vol. 322, 198932, pp. 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.virusres.2022.198932