Question
Modes of transmission and laboratory diagnosis of Monkey pox (M Pox)
Q14 4 marks Short Answers ★ ✓
Answer
Modes of transmission of Monkeypox (Mpox) : caused by the Monkeypox virus (genus Orthopoxvirus , family Poxviridae). Transmission occurs via:
Animal-to-human (zoonotic) — direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or skin/mucosal lesions of infected animals (rodents are the suspected primary reservoir; primates are incidental hosts), or via bite/scratch.
Human-to-human — direct contact with skin lesions, body fluids, or respiratory secretions of an infected person; contact with contaminated materials (fomites — clothing, bedding); and close/prolonged contact , including sexual contact, recognized as a significant transmission route in recent (2022 onward) global outbreaks.
Vertical transmission — from mother to fetus via the placenta, or to a neonate during/after birth through close contact.
Laboratory diagnosis :
PCR (real-time PCR) — detection of Monkeypox virus DNA from skin lesion material (swab of lesion fluid/roof, or crust) — the preferred, most sensitive and specific diagnostic test.
Electron microscopy — direct visualization of characteristic brick-shaped poxvirus particles in vesicular fluid, a rapid but non-specific method (cannot distinguish Monkeypox from other orthopoxviruses without further testing).
Virus isolation in cell culture — possible but requires specialized biocontainment facilities, not used for routine diagnosis.
Serology (IgM/IgG) — supportive, though cross-reactivity with other orthopoxviruses (including prior smallpox vaccination) limits specificity.
Given the potential public health significance, testing is typically performed in designated reference laboratories with appropriate biosafety precautions.
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