Unveiling the Global Surge of Mpox (Monkeypox): A comprehensive review of current evidence

Abstract

Monkeypox, now named mpox, has emerged as a significant public threat, as evidenced by the 2022 outbreak affecting over seventy countries globally. This infectious disease presents debilitating symptoms, including painful skin rashes, mucosal lesions, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever. The situation intensifies with concerns about a novel transmission route, specifically through sexual contact, and the evolution of more transmissible strains. Complicating matters further is the documented spillback of mpox from humans to animals, raising the potential for new animal reservoirs. This study utilized a systematic approach to gather, analyse, and interpret data regarding global mpox outbreaks, phylogenomics, human APOBEC3 enzyme activity, antiviral resistance issues, and the application of the One Health intervention. Emphasizing a One Health approach covers various aspects, including zoonotic origins, pathogenesis, changing epidemiological landscapes, phylogenomic diversity, and clade dynamics. The review underscores the crucial role of global collaboration in understanding and combatting mpox and making it a valuable resource for shaping effective prevention and control measures on a global scale.