Monkeypox

From EyeWiki

All content on Eyewiki is protected by copyright law and the Terms of Service. This content may not be reproduced, copied, or put into any artificial intelligence program, including large language and generative AI models, without permission from the Academy.

Article initiated by:
Aaron R. Kaufman, MD, James Chodosh, MD, MPH, Roberto Pineda II, MD
All contributors:
James Chodosh, MD, MPH, Roberto Pineda II, MD, Vatinee Y. Bunya, MD, MSCE, Gangadhara Sundar, MD, Michael T Yen, MD, Cat Nguyen Burkat, MD FACS, Aaron R. Kaufman, MD
Assigned editor:
Gangadhara Sundar, MD, Vatinee Y. Bunya, MD, MSCE
Review:
Assigned status Up to Date
 by Vatinee Y. Bunya, MD, MSCE on March 5, 2024.


Monkeypox
Maculopapular monkeypox lesions
Numerous maculopapular monkeypox lesions presenting on a 4 year old child.[1]
DiseasesDB
32046
ICD-10
B04
MedlinePlus
007783
MeSH
D045908


Disease Entity

Disease

Human Monkeypox (MPX) is a zoonosis which presents with a smallpox-like disease.[2] MPX was named for its initial identification in 1958 in a group of monkeys transported to Copenhagen, Denmark, from Africa.[3]

Etiology

MPX is caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus that is a member of the genus Orthopoxvirus. Other members of Orthopoxvirus include variola (smallpox), vaccinia, cowpox virus, camelpox virus, and ectromelia virus (mousepox).[2] MPXV is, in a sense, a misnomer: although initially identified in monkeys, the reservoir species for MPXV is thought to be an unidentified species of rodent (possibly Gambian pouched rat, rope squirrel, or other rodent).[4][5] Transmission is by broken skin, droplets, or bodily fluids.[6] Sexual activity is thought to be either a route of transmission or may amplify transmission.[7] The incubation period for the virus is 7–14 days most frequently but has been reported to be up to 3 weeks.[6]

Epidemiology

There are two clades of MPXV, a West African (WA) clade and a Congo Basin (CB) clade.[8] MPX disease caused by the CB clade may have greater mortality, morbidity, viremia, and transmission relative to disease caused by the WA strain.[8]

Countries which are endemic for MPX include: Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana (identified in animals only), Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Nigeria, the Republic of the Congo, and Sierra Leone.[9] MPX is rare outside of endemic countries, but in 2003, an outbreak occurred in the United States related to MPXV-infected prairie dogs.[10]

Since May 2022, there has been an ongoing international outbreak of MPX which includes nonendemic countries.[7][11][12] As of July 29, 2022, there have been 22,485 cases of which the greatest number of cases are in the United States (4906 cases), Spain (4298 cases), Germany (2595 cases), United Kingdom (2546 cases), and France (1955 cases).[13]

Risk Factors

Outbreaks in endemic countries have revealed the following risk factors for MPX infection: lack of smallpox vaccination; living in forested area; male sex; age less than 15 years; and consumption of bushmeat.[3]

The 2022 global outbreak has shown a disproportionate occurrence in men who have sex with men (MSM), which has not been noted in previous outbreaks.[7] Although a majority of cases in the 2022 outbreak have been in adult men (especially MSM),[7] cases in women[14] and in children[15] have also been reported. Incident cases commonly had a history of travel (most frequently to Europe) in the month prior to onset of symptoms.[7]

Pathology

Dermatopathology shows similar histologic findings to vaccinia and cowpox virus.[16] Guarnieri bodies, characteristic of poxviruses, are present in skin keratinocytes.[16] Other pathologic features may include proliferation of basal keratinocytes, epidermal necrosis and spongiosis, keratinocyte pallor, and dense inflammatory cell infiltrate with vasculitis.[11][16]

Primary prevention

Data from previous outbreaks have shown that smallpox vaccination provides 85% protection against MPX.[17] In the United States, there are two currently available smallpox vaccines that may provide protection against MPX. ACAM2000 utilizes replication-competent vaccinia virus, and is administered by percutaneous skin scarification in a single dose.[18][19] JYNNEOS is a newer vaccine preparation which contains a replication-deficient vaccinia virus and is administered subcutaneously in two doses. These vaccines are available in the United States for pre-exposure prophylaxis in certain high-risk occupational groups,[18] and for postexposure prophylaxis.[11] The JYNNEOS vaccine is becoming increasingly available, and local/regional departments of public health have information on how vaccines are being distributed in any particular area.[20]

Diagnosis

History

Patients may provide a history of contact with a known MPX case. There may be a history of recent travel to MPX-endemic countries (West or Central Africa) or to nonendemic countries where the present outbreak is ongoing.[21] Given the current outbreak’s possible sexual transmission, it is prudent to inquire about sexual practices, new sexual partners, or whether sexual partners are experiencing symptoms.[7]

Physical examination

The skin lesions progress through the following stages in order: macule, papule, vesicle, pustule, crusting, and scar.[3] Lesions on the same part of the body are typically in the same stage.[19] Classically, the distribution of skin lesions in MPX is centrifugal and may be most dense on the face, trunk, and extremities.[19] As the skin lesions may occur on the face, the eyelids may be involved.[22] In the 2022 outbreak, the anogenital area has been the most common site for skin lesions (73% of patients).[7]

Mucosal lesions may also occur and may affect oropharyngeal,[3] nasal,[7] genital,[3][7] and ocular mucosa.[3] Ophthalmic manifestations of monkeypox have been termed monkeypox-related ophthalmic disease (MPXROD)[23] or ocular monkeypox[12]. When the ocular surface is affected, blepharoconjunctivitis and ulcerative keratitis may occur. In a 1981-1986 CB clade outbreak of MPX, the rate of “blepharitis and conjunctivitis” was 30% in smallpox-unvaccinated patients and 7% in smallpox-vaccinated patients.[24] Ulcerative keratitis was reported to occur in 3%–4% of MPX cases in a CB outbreak.[25] The precise frequency of ocular MPX manifestations in the 2022 outbreak is not yet known. In a retrospective series by Thornhill et al, conjunctival lesions were reported in 3/528 patients (0.6%), but this retrospective analysis may have underestimated the true occurrence.[7]

Systemic sequelae may include bronchopneumonia and respiratory distress, gastrointestinal involvement with vomiting and diarrhea, encephalitis, and secondary bacterial infections and sepsis.[3][22] Lymphadenopathy is a clinical feature that distinguishes MPX from smallpox.[22]

Laboratory testing

Ancillary testing to confirm diagnosis is generally performed by swabbing skin lesions, and when MPXROD is present the ocular surface may also be sampled.[26] The swabs may be sent for nucleic acid amplification testing by real-time or conventional polymerase chain reaction.

Differential diagnosis

Management

Systemic treatment

MPX course is usually self-limited, so treatment is frequently supportive only.[6] Patients with severe disease or at risk for developing severe disease may be treated with systemic antiviral agents, which include tecovirimat, cidofovir, brincidofovir, and intravenous vaccinia immune globulin may be utilized for systemic treatment.[6][11][27] Antiviral agents are available in the United States through state/regional health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.[27] Hospitalization may be needed.[7]

Treatment of ocular disease

Aggressive lubrication has historically been used for treatment of ocular manifestations of orthopoxvirus infections including by MPXV.[22] Topical antibiotics may be necessary for prophylaxis of epithelial defects or for bacterial superinfection.[22] Trifluridine has been used for ocular manifestations of the closely related virus vaccinia,[28] and may be considered in MPXROD.[12] In severe cases, corneal transplantation may be needed for perforation or for visual rehabilitation.[29]

Prognosis

The typical duration of symptoms and signs of MPX is 2–5 weeks.[3] As noted above, the course of MPX is usually self-limited. Skin lesions may lead to scarring, especially when scratched.[22][24] The lesions may appear atrophic and may be either hypo- or hyper-pigmented.[19] The historical case fatality rate from prior outbreaks is 10.6% in the CB clade and 3.6% in the WA clade.[30] In the 2022 outbreak, the mortality rate appears to be lower: in the retrospective series by Thornhill et al, of 528 cases no deaths were reported.[7]

When the cornea is involved, MPX may cause severe corneal scarring which may result in vision loss.[22][24][25]

Transmission prevention

Affected individuals are advised to isolate at home to minimize transmission. They are advised to remain in isolation until scabs have fallen off, the rash has fully healed, and new intact skin has formed. Contact with other persons and with pets or animals should be avoided. Commonly touched surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected, and potentially contaminated items (including linens and eating/drinking utensils) should not be shared.[31]

In the healthcare setting, a suspected or known case should be placed in a single-person room with the door closed, and movement beyond the room minimized. Healthcare providers should wear personal protective equipment including a gown, gloves, eye protection that covers the front and side of the face, and a particulate respiratory mask with an N95 filter or higher.[32] Surfaces should be cleaned, using an United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered hospital-grade disinfectant with an emerging viral pathogen claim,[32] a claim that is regulated by the EPA.[33] For eyecare providers, it may be prudent to utilize slit lamp shields as a barrier. Detailed guidance for infection prevention both at home and in the healthcare setting are available on the CDC website.[31][32]

It is not known if monkeypox can be transmitted through cadaveric corneal transplantation, as no such cases have been reported. Studies in infected rodents suggest conjunctival shedding of MPXV,[5] so the possibility for transmission in humans via cadaveric corneal transplantation is theoretically plausible if viral shedding occurs similarly in humans. Because MPXV is an enveloped virus, it should be susceptible to povidone-iodine disinfection.[34] The Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA) recommended exclusion of potential donors who in the last 21 days developed a rash characteristic of MPX, had a close contact with a confirmed MPX infection, tested positive for MPXV, or tested positive for Orthopoxvirus.[35]

Additional Resources

References

  1. ↑ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Poxviridae Infections. Public Health Image Library (PHIL) https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=2329 Accessed January 9, 2022.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Di Giulio DB, Eckburg PB. Human monkeypox: an emerging zoonosis. Lancet Infect Dis. Jan 2004;4(1):15-25. doi:10.1016/s1473-3099(03)00856-9
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 Petersen E, Kantele A, Koopmans M, et al. Human monkeypox: epidemiologic and clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and prevention. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2019;33(4):1027-1043.
  4. ↑ Hutson CL, Nakazawa YJ, Self J, et al. Laboratory investigations of African pouched rats (Cricetomys gambianus) as a potential reservoir host species for monkeypox virus. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2015;9(10):e0004013.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Falendysz EA, Lopera JG, Lorenzsonn F, et al. further assessment of monkeypox virus infection in gambian pouched rats (Cricetomys gambianus) using in vivo bioluminescent imaging. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2015;9(10):e0004130.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Kumar N, Acharya A, Gendelman HE, Byrareddy SN. The 2022 outbreak and the pathobiology of the monkeypox virus. J Autoimmun. 2022;131:102855.
  7. ↑ 7.00 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 7.10 7.11 Thornhill JP, Barkati S, Walmsley S, et al. Monkeypox virus infection in humans across 16 countries — 2022. New Eng J Med. 2022. Published Online Ahead of Print.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Likos AM, Sammons SA, Olson VA, et al. A tale of two clades: monkeypox viruses. J Gen Virol. 2005;86(Pt 10):[[1]].
  9. ↑ World Health Organization. Multi-country monkeypox outbreak: situation update. Accessed July 22, 2022, https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2022-DON393.
  10. ↑ Reynolds MG, Davidson WB, Curns AT, et al. Spectrum of infection and risk factors for human monkeypox, United States, 2003. Emerg Infect Dis. 2007;13(9):1332-1339.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 Guarner J, Del Rio C, Malani PN. Monkeypox in 2022 – what clinicians need to know. JAMA. 2022;328(2):139-140.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Cash-Goldwasser S, Labuda SM, McCormick DW, et al. Ocular Monkeypox — United States, July–September 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2022;71(42):1343-1347.
  13. ↑ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2022 Monkeypox Outbreak Global Map. Accessed August 1, 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/world-map.html.
  14. ↑ Bruno G, Fabrizio C, Rodano L, Buccoliero GB. Monkeypox in a 71-year-old woman. J Med Virol. 2022. Published online ahead of print.
  15. ↑ Tutu van Furth AM, van der Kuip M, van Els AL, et al. Paediatric monkeypox patient with unknown source of infection, the Netherlands, June 2022. Euro Surveill. 2022;27(29):2200552.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 Bayer-Garner IB. Monkeypox virus: histologic, immunohistochemical and electron-microscopic findings. J Cutan Pathol. 2005;32(1):28-34.
  17. ↑ McCollum AM, Damon IK. Human monkeypox. Clin Infect Dis. 2014;58(2):260-267.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Rao AK, Petersen BW, Whitehill F, et al. Use of JYNNEOS (Smallpox and Monkeypox Vaccine, Live, Nonreplicating) for Preexposure Vaccination of Persons at Risk for Occupational Exposure to Orthopoxviruses: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices - United States, 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2022;71(22):734-742.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 Xiang Y, White A. Monkeypox virus emerges from the shadow of its more infamous cousin: family biology matters. Emerg Microbes Infect. 2022;11(1):1768-1777.
  20. ↑ Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, JYNNEOS Monkeypox Vaccine Distribution by Jurisdiction. Accessed August 1, 2022, https://aspr.hhs.gov/SNS/Pages/JYNNEOS-Distribution.aspx.
  21. ↑ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What Healthcare Professionals Should Know. Accessed July 22, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/what-hcps-should-know.html.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 22.4 22.5 22.6 Reynolds MG, McCollum AM, Nguete B, Shongo Lushima R, Petersen BW. Improving the care and treatment of monkeypox patients in low-resource settings: applying evidence from contemporary biomedical and smallpox biodefense research. Viruses. 2017;9(12):380.
  23. ↑ Kaufman AR, Chodosh J, Pineda R. Monkeypox Virus and Ophthalmology—A Primer on the 2022 Monkeypox Outbreak and Monkeypox-Related Ophthalmic Disease. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2022. Published online ahead of print.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 Damon IK. Status of human monkeypox: clinical disease, epidemiology and research. Vaccine. 2011;29 Suppl 4:D54-D59.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Jezek Z, Szczeniowski M, Paluku KM, Mutombo M. Human monkeypox: clinical features of 282 patients. J Infect Dis. 1987;156(2):293-298.
  26. ↑ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Interim Clinical Considerations for Management of Ocular Monkeypox Virus Infection. Accessed December 12, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/ocular-infection.html.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Treatment Information for Healthcare Professionals. Accessed July 30, 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/treatment.html.
  28. ↑ Yu J, Raj SM. Efficacy of three key antiviral drugs used to treat orthopoxvirus infections: a systematic review. Global Biosecur. 2019;1(1).
  29. ↑ Croasdale C, Wise J, Holland E. Human monkeypox ocular infection: first Western Hemisphere case report. presented at: 2003 Federated Scientific Session of the Cornea Sociey and Eye Bank Association of America; 2003; Anaheim, California, United States.
  30. ↑ Bunge EM, Hoet B, Chen L, et al. The changing epidemiology of human monkeypox-A potential threat? A systematic review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2022;16(2):e0010141.
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Isolation and Infection Control: Home. Accessed July 30, 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/infection-control-home.html.
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infection Prevention and Control of Monkeypox in Healthcare Settings. Accessed July 30, 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/infection-control-healthcare.html.
  33. ↑ United States Environmental Protection Agency, What is an emerging viral pathogen claim?, Accessed August 1, 2022https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/what-emerging-viral-pathogen-claim.
  34. ↑ Kawana R, Kitamura T, Nakagomi O, et al. Inactivation of human viruses by povidone-iodine in comparison with other antiseptics. Dermatology. 1997;195 Suppl 2:29-35.
  35. ↑ Eye Bank Association of America. Monkeypox Informational Alert: Monkeypox and Eye Tissue Donation. Accessed July 30, 2022, 2022. https://restoresight.org/news/monkeypox-informational-alert/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=monkeypox-informational-alert.
Retrieved from "https://eyewiki.org/w/index.php?title=Monkeypox&oldid=103899"
The Academy uses cookies to analyze performance and provide relevant personalized content to users of our website.
Learn more
Powered by MediaWiki
Powered by Canasta
Powered by Semantic MediaWiki