Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2024 Mar;33(1):23-35.

Review of virological methods for laboratory diagnosis and characterization of monkeypox virus (MPXV): lessons learned from the 2022 Mpox outbreak

Katarina Resman Rus  1 , Samo Zakotnik  1 , Martin Sagadin  1 , Marko Kolenc  1 , Lucijan Skubic  1 , Nataša Knap  1 , Misa Korva  1 , Mario Poljak  1 , Tatjana Avšič-Županc  1
Affiliations
  • PMID: 38179904
Free article
Review

Review of virological methods for laboratory diagnosis and characterization of monkeypox virus (MPXV): lessons learned from the 2022 Mpox outbreak

Katarina Resman Rus et al. Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat. 2024 Mar.
Free article

Abstract

Monkeypox virus (MPXV), originally endemic in West Africa (Clade II) and Central Africa (Clade I), has recently emerged worldwide and has reinforced the need for rapid and accurate MPXV diagnostics. This review presents and critically discusses the range of virological methods for laboratory diagnosis and characterization of MPXV as well as related lessons learned and practical experience gained from the 2022 Mpox global outbreak. Real-time PCR is currently considered the diagnostic gold standard and ensures accurate and timely confirmation of suspected Mpox cases based on suspicious skin lesions, and digital PCR improves the precision of MPXV DNA quantification. Whole genome sequencing reveals the diversity within the Clade IIb outbreak and highlights the role of microevolution in the adaptation of the virus to the human host. Continuous genomic surveillance is important for better understanding of human-to-human transmission and prevention of the emergence of variola virus-like strains. Traditional virological methods such as electron microscopy and virus isolation remain essential for comprehensive virus characterization, particularly in the context of vaccine and antiviral drug development. Despite the current challenges, serological tests detecting a range of anti-MPXV antibodies are important adjunct diagnostic and research tools for confirmation of late-presenting or asymptomatic MPXV cases, contact tracing, epidemiological studies, seroepidemiological surveys, and better understanding of the role of IgG and neutralizing antibodies in the immune response to infection and vaccination. A multidisciplinary approach combining advanced molecular techniques with traditional virological methods is important for rapid and reliable diagnosis, surveillance, and control of the outbreak.

PubMed Disclaimer

Similar articles

See all similar articles

MeSH terms

LinkOut - more resources