Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease that has rapidly emerged as a global health concern. The mpox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, was first identified in humans in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 1970. For decades, the disease was mostly confined to Central and West Africa, where it remained endemic.

However, beginning in the spring of 2022, mpox began spreading to countries outside of Africa, regions that had rarely seen cases in the past.

Since 2022, the mpox virus has infected nearly 100,000 people worldwide, highlighting its ability to spread across borders. Although the virus has caused serious symptoms, the death rate in non-endemic regions has been relatively low, with approximately 200 deaths reported globally over the two years.

This contrasts sharply with the situation in Central Africa, where mpox has historically been more lethal, with mortality rates reaching up to 10 percent in some outbreaks.

The current global concern centers around the emergence of a novel strain of mpox, known as Clade Ib, which has recently been spreading in the DRC and other African countries. This strain has demonstrated increased human-to-human transmission capabilities and has even been detected outside Africa, with a reported case in Sweden involving an infected traveler returning from the DRC.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an emergency due to the rise in Clade I cases in Africa, particularly with the appearance of this new, more transmissible subtype.

The Evolution of Mpox in Central Africa

Traditionally, mpox was considered a rural zoonotic disease, primarily spreading through animal-to-human transmission with limited human-to-human spread. However, the natural history of the virus in Central Africa has changed. The virus has now established itself in urban centers, spreading more easily between people and positioning itself to potentially reach other regions and countries.

A significant outbreak began in the fall of 2023 in Kamituga, a town in South Kivu province of the DRC. The outbreak primarily affected sex workers in the mining epicenter and quickly spread to nearby cities like Bukavu, located near Rwanda and Burundi. This outbreak has raised concerns about the virus’s potential to cascade globally once again.

The Differences Between Mpox Clades

Mpox viruses are categorized into two main strains, or clades: Clade I and Clade II. Clade I, which is more virulent, has been responsible for significant outbreaks in Central Africa, particularly in the DRC. Historically, this clade has caused severe illness and death, especially in children, with mortality rates as high as 10 percent.

On the other hand, Clade II, found mainly in West Africa, has been considered less severe. Within Clade II, a subtype known as Clade IIb was responsible for the 2022-2023 global outbreak, which, while widespread, resulted in few fatalities.

Clade Ib, the newly identified subtype within Clade I, has genetic and epidemiologic characteristics that favor human-to-human transmission. This subtype has shown a mortality rate of 3.2 percent, lower than the historical average for Clade I but still concerning. The potential for Clade Ib to spread globally is a significant concern, particularly given its higher transmission rate compared to other strains.

Mpox Testing: IgG/IgM Antibody vs. Antigen Test Kits

Accurate and timely diagnosis of mpox is essential for controlling its spread. Two primary types of test kits are available for detecting mpox: IgG/IgM antibody test kits and antigen test kits.

IgG/IgM Antibody Test Kits

These kits detect antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the mpox virus. IgM antibodies typically appear soon after infection, indicating recent exposure, while IgG antibodies develop later, indicating past infection or immunity.

These tests are valuable for understanding the stage of infection and for conducting seroprevalence studies, which help track the spread of the virus within populations.

Antigen Test Kits

These kits detect the presence of viral antigens, which are proteins or molecules from the virus itself, typically during the active phase of infection. Antigen tests can provide rapid results, making them useful for early detection and diagnosis of active infections.

They are crucial for prompt isolation and treatment of infected individuals, helping to prevent further spread of the virus.

Conclusion

As the world continues to grapple with the challenges posed by mpox, having reliable and accurate test kits is critical for effective disease management. At OMC Medical, we offer the distribution of both IgG/IgM antibody test kits and antigen test kits, providing essential tools for detecting and controlling mpox.

Our products are designed to meet the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, ensuring that healthcare providers can make informed decisions in managing the disease. If you are interested in distributing our mpox test kits, please contact us at OMC Medical.

We are committed to supporting global health efforts and ensuring that the necessary tools are available to combat the spread of mpox.