Cases of Monkeypox show highly-overlapping co-infection with HIV and syphilis

• DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1276821
• Publication Date: 2024-01-05T05:31:39Z
• Authors: Lin Jia; Benyong Yan; Yuan Fang; Xiaodong Yang; Han Jia; Mei Zhang; Shuang Li; Yang Zhang; Wen Wang; Caiping Guo; Tong Zhang; Xiaojie Huang; Taiyi Jiang
• Keywords: Throat; Monkeypox; Anus

Purpose Ongoing Monkeypox (MPX) outbreaks in countries outside Africa have unique characteristics. However, data on cohorts of confirmed cases China is limited. The study provides important epidemiological, diagnostic, and clinical information about this disease China. Methods We report a series Chinese individuals with MPX infections identified at Beijing Youan Hospital (China) from June 10 to July 15, 2023. Samples were taken the skin, anus, throat, blood. An epidemiological questionnaire was used collect demographic data. Further, we compared viral (MPXV) loads across different anatomical sites. Results 66 samples collected 20 patients, all whom cisgender men. Median patient age 29 years. Notably, 19 (95%) patients reported unprotected sexual encounters men preceding month, 13 (65%) human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive. Among those HIV, 12 (92%) receiving antiretroviral therapy, 11 (85%) had well-controlled (HIV load <40/mL). median CD4+ T cell count 667 cells/mm 3 . In HIV-negative group, three (43%) taking preexposure prophylaxis. Fifteen (75%) concurrent sexually transmitted (50% syphilis 65% HIV) eight (40%) HIV co-infection. MPXV significantly higher skin (cycle threshold value [Ct value]: 19·0) anus (Ct value: 23.0) throat 31.0) or blood 34.5). All lesions (85% presented anogenital lesions). Common systemic symptoms included fever lymphadenopathy (55%). incubation period 8 d [interquartile range (IQR): 6–16 d]. time onset scab removal 14 (IQR: 10–16 d). No deaths severe reported. Conclusion primarily affects young homosexual high anal indicate that transmission most likely occurs through direct close body contact. This also reports rates Therefore, preventive efforts should focus