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.