Review of the prevalence, diagnostics, and containment measures of the current mpox outbreak

Table 1 Various diagnostic tests are used in identifying Orthopoxvirus

Test	Definition	Pros	Cons
RT-PCR	Checks for the existence of DNA markers unique to mpox	Can provide a diagnosis of an active case utilizing a patient's lesion material. Viral DNA is used in the procedure and can remain stable if the material is stored in a cold, dark environment. Specifically made to target the mpox virus	Extremely sensitive tests where contamination risks are considered high. The tools and materials needed for these tests are costly. Must be carried out by trained professionals at a reputable laboratory
Viral culture/isolation	Live virus is grown from a patient specimen	Can produce a pure, live viral culture that will allow for accurate species categorization. Since viremia is not always present during sickness, patient samples from lesions are the most accurate for this approach	It takes many days to finish the test. Attempts to cultivate patient specimens may be hampered by the presence of bacteria. For viral identification, more classification is required. Must be carried out by trained professionals at a reputable laboratory
Tetracore Orthopox BioThreat Alert	Tests to see whether Orthopoxvirus antigens are present	A point-of-care diagnostic tool that may quickly diagnose an active case utilizing patient-provided lesion material. Can be done with minimal experience at room temperature	The mpox virus cannot be detected with this technique. Tests must be conducted in endemic areas. Less accurate than PCR
Electron microscopy	A distinct picture of a brick-shaped particle is produced by negative staining, enabling visual identification of a poxvirus and other particles	Can be used to locate viral components in a biopsy specimen, scab material, vesicular fluid, or viral culture. Can distinguish between a herpesvirus and an Orthopoxvirus	Orthopoxviruses have morphological similarities to one another. Must be carried out in a reputable laboratory with qualified personnel and an electron microscope
Immunohisto - chemistry	Tests to see whether Orthopoxvirus-specific antigens are present	Antigens in biopsy specimens can be found with this method. This method can be applied to eliminate or locate more suspicious agents	Not unique to the mpox virus. Must be carried out by trained professionals at a notable laboratory
Anti-Orthopoxvirus IgM	Tests for the presence of Orthopoxvirus antibodies	Can be used to evaluate recent Orthopoxvirus exposure, either from a disease or a smallpox vaccine. Patients with a history of smallpox vaccination who are suspected of having the Orthopoxvirus may utilize this assay as a diagnosis	Utilizes a cold chain and blood (serum) collection. The mpox virus cannot be detected with this technique. Must be carried out by trained professionals at a reputable laboratory
Anti-Orthopoxvirus IgG	Tests for the presence of Orthopoxvirus antibodies	Can be used to determine whether a disease or smallpox vaccine has previously exposed a person to an Orthopoxvirus	Necessitates a cold chain and the collection of blood (serum). The mpox virus cannot be detected with this technique. Previous smallpox immunization will have an impact on the results. Variable response times apply. Must be carried out by trained professionals at a reputable laboratory

Data extracted and recreated from McCollum and colleagues[20]. Current tests are intended to be used as an aid in identifying the mpox virus, an Orthopoxvirus, or other members within this genus. Vesicular specimens collected from persons infected can be tested with reliable diagnostics for identification. RT-PCR: Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid.