Clinical Strategies and Therapeutics for Human Monkeypox Virus: A
Revised Perspective on Recent Outbreaks
Abstract
An enveloped double-stranded DNA monkeypox virus (MPXV) is a causative
agent of zoonotic viral disease viz. Human monkeypox (HMPX). MPXV
belongs to the genus Orthopoxviridae, a family of notorious smallpox
viruses, and so it shares similar clinical pathophysiological features.
The recent multi-country HMPX outbreak (May 2022 onwards) is recognized
as an emerging global public health emergency by WHO, shunting its
endemic status as opined over the past few decades. Re-emergence of HMPX
raises concern to re-assess the present clinical strategy and
therapeutics as its outbreak evolves further. Keeping a check on these
developments, here we provide insights into the HMPX epidemiology,
pathophysiology, and clinical representation. Weighing on its early
prevention, we reviewed the strategies that are being enrolled for HMPX
diagnosis. In the line of expanded MPXV prevalence, we further reviewed
its clinical management and the diverse employed preventive/ therapeutic
strategies, including vaccine (JYNNEOS, ACAM2000, VIGIV) and antiviral
drugs/inhibitors (Tecovirimat, Cidofovir, Brincidofovir). Taken
together, with a revised perspective of HMPX re-emergence, the present
report summarizes new knowledge on its prevalence, pathology, and
prevention strategies.