Description
Monkeypox (Mpox) virus (genus Orthopoxvirus, family Poxviridae) is an enveloped virus with linear double-stranded DNA, responsible for Mpox in both humans and animals. Mpox virus includes two distinct clades: Clade I (Mpox Congo Basin) and Clade II (Mpox West African). Mpox can be transmitted to humans from blood, body fluids, skin lesions, contaminated objects, or infected animals. It can also spread through sexual activity or from an infected mother to the fetus. The viral incubation period typically ranges from 6 to 13 days (can vary from 5 to 21 days), with initial symptoms including fever, chills, headache, fatigue, lymphadenopathy, back pain, and muscle aches. Skin lesions, usually form within 1 to 3 days after the onset of the symptoms, and spread from face to other parts of the body, including the palms and soles. These lesions usually heal within 2 to 4 weeks. Mpox can vary from mild to severe, with more severe cases observed among children, women, and immunocompromised individuals. The mortality rate varies depending on the viral clade, with higher mortality rate (up to 10%) reported in Clade I infection. Several significant outbreaks of Mpox have been claimed. Recently, an outbreak driven by Clades I and II (especially Clade I) has raised concerns within the global health community. Early diagnosis of Mpox executed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), through the viral genome detection facilitates effective treatment. Amir Payvand Research & Development Company (AP-RAD) Monkeypox Multiplex PCR Kit is designed to detect Mpox (Mpox generic) with differentiation of Clades I & II simultaneously using Real-Time PCR technique, contributing to public health enhancement by accelerating Mpox diagnosis and treatment.