Łukasz Dobrek

Monkepox: A Comprehensive Review for Healthcare Professionals and Patients

 

2025-07-23

Subject of the study. Monkeypox (mpox) is a zoonosis that was previously endemic to certain African countries. Analysis of disease prevalence suggests that this infection may constitute a significant global epidemiological threat.

Aim of the study. The aim of this study was to provide a concise narrative description of the pathophysiology, symptomatology, prevention, and treatment of monkeypox.

Materials and methods. The review was prepared based on English-language articles published in the last ten years, selected through an examination of the EBSCO, MEDLINE, and PUBMED databases, as well as data obtained from the websites of the WHO, EMA, and FDA.

Results. Mpox is caused by an infection with the monkeypox virus (MPXV), which belongs to the Orthopoxviruses. The disease spreads through contact with infected animals, as well as through direct contact with the patient’s skin lesions, objects they have used, and respiratory droplets. Mpox initially presents with fever and lymphadenopathy, followed by the development of disseminated skin lesions located on the face, oral cavity, hands, extremities, and in the perianal and genital areas. The skin lesions undergo a characteristic progression, evolving from macules to papules, then to vesicles, pustules, and finally scabs that fall off. Possible complications of mpox include secondary dermatological infections, respiratory tract inflammation, ocular involvement, gastrointestinal disturbances, proctitis, and encephalitis. The standard diagnostic test for mpox infection is the amplification of MPXV nucleic acid using DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Prophylaxis for mpox mainly involves vaccination, particularly for high-risk groups, including children, young adults, individuals who have not been previously vaccinated against smallpox, and immunocompromised patients. The MVA-BN vaccine (Modified Vaccinia Ankara – Bavarian Nordic) is available in Europe. Symptomatic treatment for mpox includes the administration of antipyretics, analgesics, and medications to alleviate skin lesions. Tecovirimat is the only antiviral treatment currently authorised in Europe that is effective against various Orthopoxviruses, including MPXV. The other antiviral medications are brincidofovir and cidofovir.

Conclusions. Mpox infections, which were previously incidentally reported outside of Africa, have been spreading in Europe and non-European countries since 2022. Thus, doctors and pharmacists may encounter patients with mpox in their professional practice. Given the relatively limited antiviral treatment options available for mpox, pre- and post-exposure prevention methods, particularly vaccination, are of significant importance.

Keywords: vaccine, monkeypox, tecovirimat, mpox, MVA-BN, cidofovir, brincidofovir.

© Farm Pol, 2024, 80(12): 829–839