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State-of-the-art on monkeypox virus: an emerging zoonotic disease

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Abstract

The non-endemic monkeypox outbreak in 2022 is the largest outside of Africa in recorded history. The assumption is that monkeypox, an emerging zoonotic disease, has a high potential for epidemic spread with increased human outbreaks in recent years. The vaccinia-based smallpox vaccination has been discontinued globally for more than 40 years. Additionally, there are now more vulnerable populations. Populations who have not received the vaccine are more susceptible to monkeypox viral infection, while smallpox cannot spontaneously recur. As a member of the orthopoxvirus family and because of its potential for rapid adaptation in humans, the monkeypox virus (MPXV) has emerged as a pathogen that needs further study. Many non-endemic countries with no prior history of travel to an endemic region had increased global health concerns after the finding of MPXV cases in May 2022. Here, we summarize the clinical significance of MPXV and its unique infection characteristics. Finally, this review sheds light on worries regarding its resurgence in global health.

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Funding

The authors declare that no funds, grants, or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Microbiology, Faculty Science, Jahrom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Jahrom, Iran

    Maryam Shafaati

  2. Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Milad Zandi

Authors
  1. Maryam Shafaati
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  2. Milad Zandi
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Contributions

MS wrote the first draft of the manuscript text and MZ edited, designed, and supervised the study. All authors reviewed the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Milad Zandi.

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The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

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This is an observational study. The Abadan Research Ethics Committee has confirmed that no ethical approval is required.

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Shafaati, M., Zandi, M. State-of-the-art on monkeypox virus: an emerging zoonotic disease. Infection 50, 1425–1430 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-022-01935-3

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