Abstract
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.