Role of the Laboratory in the Diagnosis of Poxvirus Infections

Although WHO-led global efforts led to eradication of smallpoxSmallpox over four decades ago, other poxvirusesPoxvirus, especially monkeypoxMonkeypox (MPX), have re-emerged to occupy the ecological niche vacated by smallpoxSmallpox. Many of these viruses produce similar lesions thus mandating a prompt laboratory confirmation. There has been considerable evolution in the techniques available to diagnose these infections and differentiate between them. With the 2022 multi-country outbreakOutbreak of monkeypoxMonkeypox (MPX), significant efforts were made to apprise the laboratory diagnosis of the virus and numerous real-time-PCR-based assays were made commercially available. This chapter discusses the sample collection and biosafetyBiosafety aspects along with the repertoire of diagnostic modalities, both traditional and emerging, for poxvirusesPoxvirus which a special focus on monkeypoxMonkeypox (MPX). The advantages and disadvantages of each technique have been illustrated. We have also reflected upon the newer advances and the existing lacunae.