Mpox outbreak in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: a translational approach.
Abstract
Mpox is a zoonotic disease historically reported in Africa. Since 2003,
limited outbreaks have occurred outside Africa. In 2022, the global
spread of cases with sustained interhuman transmission and unusual
disease features raised public health concerns. We explore the mpox
outbreak in Rio de Janeiro (RJ) state, Brazil, in an observational study
of mpox-suspected cases from June to December 2022. Data collection
relied on a public healthcare notification form. Diagnosis was
determined by MPXV-PCR. In 46 confirmed cases, anti-VACV IgG was
determined by ELISA, and seven MPXV genomes were sequenced. A total of
3,095 cases were included, 816 (26%) with positive MPXV-PCR results.
Most positive cases were men in their 30s and MSM. A total of 285 (35%)
MPXV-PCR+ patients lived with HIV. Eight were coinfected with
varicella-zoster virus. Anogenital lesions and adenomegaly were
associated with the diagnosis of mpox. Females and individuals under 18
represented 9% and 5% of all confirmed cases, respectively, showing
higher PCR cycle threshold values and fewer anogenital lesions than
adult men. Anti-VACV IgG was detected in 29/46 (63%) patients. All
analyzed sequences belonged to clade IIb. In RJ state, mpox presented a
diverse clinical picture, represented mainly by mild cases with low
complication rates and prominent genital involvement. The incidence in
females and children was higher than usually reported. The observation
of a bimodal distribution of Ct values, with few positive results, may
suggest the need to review the diagnostic criteria in these groups.