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Saudi Journal of Medicine (SJM)
Volume-10 | Issue-07 | 320-350
Review Article
Monkeypox; Pathogenesis, Risk Factors, Complications, Laboratory Diagnosis, Prevention and Management: A Concise Review
Erhunmwunse RU, Ogbodo EC
Published : July 19, 2025
DOI : https://doi.org/10.36348/sjm.2025.v10i07.005
Abstract
Monkeypox otherwise known as Mpox is a zoonotic disease caused by monkeypox virus which belongs to the genus Orthopox virus of the family Poxviridae; a large and diverse family of enveloped double stranded DNA viruses that replicate in the cytoplasm of infected cells. First discovered in 1958 with confirmed case first described in 1970, Monkeypox remains a reoccurrence especially in West African countries such as Nigeria. It occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of central and West Africa and is occasionally exported to other regions. There are two distinct genetic clades of the monkeypox virus: the central African (Congo Basin) clade and the West African clade with the earlier historically causing more severe disease and was thought to be more transmissible. In recent times, the case fatality ratio has been around 3–6%. Mpox is transmitted to humans through close contact with an infected person or animal, or with material contaminated with the virus. Clinical presentation resembles that of smallpox, a related orthopoxvirus infection which was declared eradicated worldwide in 1980. Mpox typically presents clinically with fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes and may lead to a range of medical complications. The gold standard method of diagnosis is by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method with others including viral culture, antibody testing and electron microscopy. This review x-rays the pathogenesis, risk factors, clinical presentations, associated complications, laboratory diagnosis, prevention and management of Mpox highlighting the need for utilization of an integrated approach that include immunization, antiviral treatments, and public health policies tailored to high-risk populations in combatting the disease. The need for training and retraining of Laboratory Scientists and personnels to acquire improved diagnostic skills desired in order to effectively control and reduce the impact of Mpox is highly needed.
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