The Neglected Mpox Virus: From Historical Review to Future Perspectives

Mpox (MPX), a zoonotic infection reported as early as 1970, is a double-stranded DNA virus, Mpox virus (MPXV), belonging to the genus Orthopoxvirus. MPX, a virus closely related to smallpox, was once considered a geographically restricted infection because it was predominantly endemic in West and Central Africa, except for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). However, in May 2022, a rare case of MPX was diagnosed in the UK. As of February 25, 2023, 86,127 confirmed cases and 97 deaths have been reported globally. It spreads through close contact with an infected person, infected animal, or an object which an infected person has touched. Although most people infected with MPXV may present with mild symptoms and will recover fully within a few weeks, people can have serious diseases and complications and may need to be hospitalized with it. Although smallpox vaccines and antiviral drugs are also effective against MPX, there is still no specific vaccine or drug for MPXV infection. Therefore, we need to take the right attitude and measures to stop the MPXV outbreak. In this review, we summarize the characteristics, mechanisms, immunology, and transmission of MPXV, as well as current vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments used for MPX, and provide clues for controlling MPX outbreaks and preventing such diseases.