In News:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed the Alinity m MPXV Assay under its Emergency Use Listing (EUL) procedure.
• The test, developed by Abbott Molecular Inc., will help expand diagnostic capacity in countries experiencing Mpox outbreaks, particularly in Africa.
• Importance of Early Diagnosis:
• Early diagnosis enables timely treatment and virus control.
• It is critical for improving Mpox surveillance, especially in areas with high transmission.

Current Mpox Situation

• Global Context:
  • Over 30,000 suspected cases reported in Africa in 2024.
• India has reported 30 cases since the WHO declared Mpox a global health emergency in August 2024.
• Testing Capacity:
• Limited testing capacity and delays in confirming cases have been a significant barrier to controlling the spread, especially in Africa.
• In India, 35 laboratories are currently equipped to test suspected Mpox cases.

Mpox Diagnostic Test Details

• Alinity m MPXV Assay:
• A real-time PCR test that detects monkeypox virus (MPXV) DNA from skin lesion swabs.
• Used by trained clinical laboratory personnel proficient in PCR techniques.
• Helps confirm suspected Mpox cases from pustular or vesicular rash samples.
• WHO's Role:
• The Emergency Use Listing (EUL) procedure accelerates the availability of life-saving products during public health emergencies.
• WHO aims to increase access to quality-assured diagnostics in regions most affected by Mpox.

About Mpox

• What is Mpox?
• Zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, part of the Orthopoxvirus genus (family Poxviridae).
• Closely related to smallpox, but generally less severe in humans.
• Transmission:
• Spread via physical contact with infected lesions, body fluids, or contaminated materials.
• Can also spread through animal bites, or activities like hunting, skinning, or eating infected animals.
• Two Clades:
• Clade I: Predominantly in Central and East Africa.
• Clade II: More common in West Africa; linked to the 2022 outbreak.
• Symptoms:
• Rashes, blisters, fever, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes.
• Lesions typically scab over as they heal.
• Most people experience mild symptoms, but children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals are at greater risk.

Treatment and Prevention

• No Specific Cure:
• Supportive care (e.g., pain relief, hydration) is recommended.
• In some cases, antivirals like tecovirimat (developed for smallpox) may be used under exceptional circumstances.
• Vaccination:
• Three smallpox vaccines are recommended for at-risk individuals: MVA-BN, LC16, and OrthopoxVac.
• Mass vaccination is not recommended by WHO.

In News:

In an important move to improve global access to Mpox testing, the World Health Organization (WHO) has listed the first Mpox in vitro diagnostic under its Emergency Use Listing procedure.

• Context of Mpox Outbreak:

• Since January 2022, mpox has spread to 121 countries.
• By September 2024, there were 103,048 confirmed cases and 229 deaths.

• Diagnostic Test Approval:

• WHO approved Abbott Laboratories’ PCR diagnostic test, Alinity MPXV assay, for emergency use.
• This test detects mpox virus DNA from skin swabs, intended for trained lab personnel.

• Emergency Use Listing (EUL) Procedure:

• Allows WHO to expedite approval of unlicensed vaccines, treatments, and diagnostic tests during public health emergencies.
• In August, WHO called for manufacturers to submit diagnostic tools to aid low-income countries.

• Current Testing Landscape:

• Limited testing capacity has hindered response, especially in Africa, where over 30,000 suspected cases were reported in 2024.
• 35 laboratories in India are now equipped to test suspected mpox cases.

• Importance of Early Diagnosis:

• Early detection facilitates timely treatment and control of the virus, essential in outbreak areas.

• Characteristics of the Alinity MPXV Assay:

• Utilizes real-time PCR to detect mpox virus (clade I/II) DNA from lesion materials.
• Designed for skilled laboratory personnel familiar with PCR techniques.

• Ongoing Efforts:

• WHO is reviewing three additional mpox diagnostic tests and negotiating with more companies to enhance availability.
• Efforts include addressing the spread of a new variant, clade Ib, which is affecting more women and children.

• Public Health Implications:

• Expanding access to diagnostics is vital for managing the mpox outbreak and protecting populations, particularly in underserved regions.
• WHO emphasizes the importance of quality-assured medical products in containing the virus spread.

Why is it in the News?

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is struggling to contain its biggest Mpox outbreak.

What Is Monkeypox (Mpox)?

• Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a rare viral infection caused by the mpox virus, a member of the orthopoxvirus genus.
• It was first discovered in 1958 in monkeys but can also infect humans and other animals.
• Mpox typically presents with a range of symptoms and can be transmitted through close contact with infected individuals or animals.

Symptoms:

• Mpox symptoms often begin with fever, muscle aches, and sore throat, followed by a rash that starts on the face and spreads across the body.
• The rash evolves over two to four weeks, forming macules, papules, vesicles, and pustules before crusting over.
• Lesions can also appear on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Causes:

• The mpox virus is primarily transmitted through direct contact with the skin lesions, body fluids, or respiratory droplets of infected individuals or animals.
• It can also be contracted through contaminated materials, such as bedding or clothing.

Prevention:

• Preventing mpox involves avoiding contact with infected individuals or animals, practising good hygiene, and disinfecting contaminated surfaces.
• Vaccines are also available for individuals at high risk of contracting the virus.

Treatment:

• There is currently no specific treatment for mpox, but symptoms can be managed with supportive care, such as fever reducers and pain medications. In some cases, antiviral medications may be used.