Paper II
2024 December (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme) · 100 marks · 180 min

Question

Modes of transmission and laboratory diagnosis of Monkey pox (M Pox)

Q144 marksShort Answers

Answer

Modes of transmission of Monkeypox (Mpox): caused by the Monkeypox virus (genus Orthopoxvirus, family Poxviridae). Transmission occurs via:

  1. 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.
  2. Human-to-humandirect 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.
  3. 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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