WHO Approves First Mpox Diagnostic Test for Emergency Use

  • 21 Oct 2024

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.