A Multisectoral Study of Mpox Epidemiology, Resistance Surveillance, and Policy Gaps: Toward a One Health Framework.

Abstract

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has recently spread beyond its traditional epidemic areas. Several regions of Africa have been affected and have become a health concern globally. This review presents epidemiology, clinical symptoms, diagnostic developments, treatment methods, and policy gaps of Mpox. Methodologically, this review incorporates data from over 70 peer-reviewed journal articles, official epidemiological bulletins, and curated surveillance datasets from WHO, CDC, and PubMed to provide an evidence-based analysis of Mpox. As all data were derived from secondary sources, no sampling method was utilized. Firstly, we examined the primary causes of the virus's resurgence, including zoonotic spillover, human-to-human transmission, and globalization, which contribute to the spread of Mpox disease. Next, we discussed different treatment alternatives for Mpox, such as Tecovirimat and JYNNEOS vaccination, diagnostic techniques including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), serological tests, and new point-of-care diagnostics based on clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR). Then, we highlighted the public health challenges of Mpox, including misdiagnosis, healthcare disparities, and the impact on immunosuppressed populations, particularly HIV-positive individuals. Finally, this study discussed the socioeconomic implications of Mpox outbreaks, emphasizing the need for global collaboration, enhanced surveillance, and robust vaccination programs to minimize future outbreaks.