Insight into Recent Updates on Vaccines Development and Immunology of Monkeypox Infection

Monkeypox (Mpox) is a zoonotic disease caused by monkeypox virus (MPXV) was formerly restricted within western and central Africa, but a surge in the number of cases in 2022, 2023 and 2024 is seen in several nations across the globe. This review gives a comprehensive update on the epidemiology of Mpox, MPXV reservoirs, transmission characteristics, mutation, mechanisms of infection, clinical indications, laboratory diagnosis, ways of management, and potential vaccine candidates.

WHO announced the Mpox outburst as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on 14th August 2024 as a new variant of Mpox is reported and cases are now being documented for the first time from nations like Kenya and Rwanda. Recent cases specify that inter-human transmission might result in frequent eruptions, particularly in men who are sexually active with men. The creation of antiviral medicines and vaccines for treating Mpox is immediately required, regardless of the specific beneficial effects of repurposed drugs.

Mpox is a viral disease responsible for symptoms such as rash, critical lymphadenopathy, and fever. In this article, we discussed preventive approaches like immunization using smallpox vaccines, providing insights on proper understanding of MPXV and suggestions for the management, prevention, and control of MPXV.