Mary Wilson
Well-known member
Published: April 26, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2023.106759
Summary
The emergence and rapid spread outside of monkeypox virus (MPXV) to non-endemic countries has brought this once obscure pathogen to the forefront of global public health. Given the range of conditions that cause skin lesions, and because clinical manifestation may more often be atypical in the current mpox outbreak, it can be challenging to diagnose patients based on clinical signs and symptoms, especially for individuals with an atypical clinical presentation. With this perspective in mind, the laboratory-based diagnosis assumes a critical role for the clinical management and the implementation of countermeasures. Here we review the clinical features reported in mpox patients and currently available laboratory tests that are used for mpox diagnosis, discussing their principles, advances, advantages, and drawbacks. We also highlight the diagnostic platforms with the potential of application that guide the field’s ongoing and future work, particularly to increase diagnostic capacity in low- and middle-income countries. With the outlook of this evolving research area, we hope to inspire more research and development of diagnostic alternatives to better prepare our society for dealing with future public health crises.
https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S2589-0042(23)00836-2
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2023.106759
Summary
The emergence and rapid spread outside of monkeypox virus (MPXV) to non-endemic countries has brought this once obscure pathogen to the forefront of global public health. Given the range of conditions that cause skin lesions, and because clinical manifestation may more often be atypical in the current mpox outbreak, it can be challenging to diagnose patients based on clinical signs and symptoms, especially for individuals with an atypical clinical presentation. With this perspective in mind, the laboratory-based diagnosis assumes a critical role for the clinical management and the implementation of countermeasures. Here we review the clinical features reported in mpox patients and currently available laboratory tests that are used for mpox diagnosis, discussing their principles, advances, advantages, and drawbacks. We also highlight the diagnostic platforms with the potential of application that guide the field’s ongoing and future work, particularly to increase diagnostic capacity in low- and middle-income countries. With the outlook of this evolving research area, we hope to inspire more research and development of diagnostic alternatives to better prepare our society for dealing with future public health crises.
https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S2589-0042(23)00836-2