Scientists warn of increased MPOX propagation

International researchers, including the DTU National Food Institute, have warned that the ongoing outbreak of MPOX in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) could spread more rapidly across borders. The MPOX virus has been mutated, making the new variant clade 1B more infectious.

Genetic analysis of Clade 1B, first detected in DRC's Kamitsuga in September 2023, shows that this mutant has experienced the mutation and is more easily transmitted between humans.

Scientists have identified three new sub-variants, one of which extends beyond Kamituga to DRC, neighbouring countries, and even international cities in Sweden and Thailand. Additionally, new data may suggest that Clade 1B is at a higher risk of miscarriage.

This new study is Published As a scientific publication accelerated by Natural medicine. “Epidemiological and genomic evolution of the ongoing development of clade IBs” MPOX The virus in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has been written by 16 researchers from six countries: DRC, Rwanda, Denmark, the UK, Spain and the Netherlands.

Originally, MPOX was considered a zoonotic disease that spreads primarily from animals to humans. However, in 2022, the world witnessed an outbreak that affects men who have sex with men mostly. New clade 1B is different as both men and women are currently infected with the virus. Additionally, the number of infections has been reported to be increasing. Medical workers And the kids.

“It's like SARS-COV-2. The virus mutates as it spreads. In the case of clade 1B, we see that certain subvariables appear to be superior in communicating between humans. Furthermore, among those we tested, we say that there are a high number of infected pregnant women among miscarriers. The Great Life Project.

Great Life Project It is behind both the discovery of clade 1B and the development of new PCR tests. This allows detection of clade 1B, which can be detected by the original MPOX test.

Seek cross-border collaboration to include MPOX spreads

This study shows the rapid spread of new variants, primarily through heterosexual contacts in densely populated regions.

“We are currently seeing uncontrolled transmissions of the clade 1B in the East DRC and Burundi, but not so much else in East Africa. However, this situation needs immediate attention. Sexual contactin high-risk areas,” Aarestrup says.

The spread to neighbouring countries underscores the need to expand cross-border cooperation to track disease transmission, treat patients and spread health education, especially among sex workers.

“Actions are needed locally, such as increased vaccination efforts and public awareness campaigns on power routes. Furthermore, global measures include visiting high-risk areas and sexually engaging in particularly affected areas. It includes travel advisories for engaging in contact,” Aarestrup said.

The Great Life Project coincided with DRC's MPOX Outbreak

The DTU National Food Institute is coordinating the Great-Life project aimed at building the capacity to detect disease outbreaks in East Africa. This project focuses on the local implementation of PCR testing for viral diseases using portable devices. This capacity building initiative was quickly tested, coincidentally, when the project was launched with the emergence of a new clade 1B variant of DRC.

The outbreak of MPOX meant that local researchers and healthcare workers would immediately need the expertise and tools the project provided. The contribution of the DTU National Food Institute, led by Professor Aarestrup, is to provide local researchers with the ability to conduct rapid research and provide relevant results. As part of our capacity building efforts, the Great-Life project includes:

Important findings

As of January 5, 2025, more than 9,500 individuals have tested positive for MPOX in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with an estimated fatality rate of 3.4%. The rapid rise in cases in South Kivu of DRC is of particular concern.

In this regard, this study shows:

• MPOX viruses become more susceptible to infection and spread faster.
• Propagation occurs primarily through heterosexual contact.
• The virus spreads through sex workers in densely populated regions.
• There is a significant underreport of the case.
• MPOX infection can increase the risk of miscarriage in pregnant women.

The researchers analyzed a sample of 670 patients infected with MPOX. Their findings show that 52.4% of infected people are women and 47.6% are male. Although the majority of infections were transmitted through sexual contact, three cases were recorded among healthcare workers. Seven patients died, and eight of the 14 pregnant women suffered from miscarriage.

This study focused on the South Kivu province of DRC, where the transmission of clade 1B began in September 2023.