Monkeypox virus (Mpxv) is a dsDNA virus that has become a global concern for human health in 2022. As both infected people and non-human hosts can shed the virus from their skin, faeces, urine and other body fluids, and the resulting sewage contains viral load representative of the whole population, it is highly promising to detect the spread of monkeypox virus in municipal wastewater. We established a methodology for sewage-based monitoring of Mpxv in Prague and analysed samples (n = 24) already early August-October of 2022 in a municipality with 1.4 million inhabitants that only reported 29 cumulative cases in this period. We isolated Mpxv DNA with the Wizard Enviro Total Nucleic Acid Kit, and thereafter detected Mpxv DNA using the EliGene® Monkeypox RT-PCR Kit. Prague wastewater was positive for Mpxv (in total 9 positive samples in periods with 1-9 new cases per week, coinciding with a weekly incidence of 0.07-0.64 per 100,000 inhabitants. The method for confirmation of wastewater positivity via semi-nested PCR and Sanger sequencing was successfully confirmed on positive controls including Mpxv particles and Mpxv-positive wastewater from the Netherlands. However, for Prague wastewater samples, amplification of Mpxv DNA via semi-semi-nested PCR was unsuccessful. This was probably due to extremely low case count, leading to the amplification of non-target bacterial DNA. Compared to other studies with much higher Mpxv prevalence, we show the outstanding sensitivity of our approach for monitoring the spread of monkeypox using wastewater.

• Klíčová slova
• Monkeypox, Mpox, Sewage, Virus, Wastewater-based epidemiology,
• MeSH
• DNA virů genetika   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• odpadní voda MeSH
• odpadní vody MeSH
• opičí neštovice * diagnóza   MeSH
• virus opičích neštovic genetika   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• DNA virů MeSH
• odpadní voda MeSH
• odpadní vody MeSH

Herein, we present our findings of an early appearance of the Monkeypox virus in Prague, Czech Republic. A retrospective analysis of biological samples, carried out on the 28th of April, revealed a previously unrecognized case of Monkeypox virus (MPxV) infection. Subsequent data analysis confirmed that the virus strain belongs to the ongoing outbreak. Combined with clinical and epidemiological investigations, we extended the roots of the current outbreak at least back to 16th of April, 2022.

• Klíčová slova
• infection, monkeypox virus, orthopoxvirus, outbreak, poxviridae, zoonosis,
• MeSH
• epidemický výskyt choroby MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• opičí neštovice * epidemiologie   MeSH
• retrospektivní studie MeSH
• virus opičích neštovic MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika epidemiologie   MeSH

Human monkeypox, occurring in the tropical rainforest of west and central Africa, is regarded as the most important orthopoxvirus infection for epidemiological surveillance during the post-smallpox era. This disease, first recognized in Zaïre in 1970 resembles smallpox clinically but differs epidemiologically. Clinical features, their evolution and sequelae of monkeypox could be compared with discrete ordinary or modified type of smallpox. A case-fatality rate of 14% has been observed but some cases can be exceedingly mild or atypical and may easily remain undetected and unreported. Pronounced lymphadenopathy has been the only clinical feature found commonly in monkeypox but not in smallpox. Fifty-seven cases of human monkeypox have occurred since 1970, in the tropical rainforests in six west and central African countries, the majority of them (45) being reported from Zaïre. The disease appears to be more frequent in dry season. Children below ten years of age comprise 84% of the cases. Smallpox vaccination protects against monkeypox. Clusters of cases have been observed in certain areas within countries and within affected households. Human-to-human spread has possibly occurred seven times. No cases of possible tertiary spread were observed. The secondary attack rate among susceptible close household contacts was 10%, among all susceptible contacts 5%. This is much lower than that occurring with smallpox, which is between 25-40%. The limited avidity of monkeypox virus for human beings indicates that monkeypox is probably a zoonosis, although the animal reservoir(s) have not yet been identified. The low transmissibility, resulting in low frequency of disease in man indicates that monkeypox is not a public health problem. Human monkeypox has been a relatively newly recognized disease. Studies are in progress to identify the natural cycle of monkeypox virus and to define better its clinical and epidemiological characteristics. Special surveillance is maintained in endemic areas with the aim to provide assurance that in spite of waning immunity of the human population following cessation of the smallpox vaccination, the disease does not constitute a potential danger to man.

• MeSH
• diferenciální diagnóza MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• infekce vyvolané poxviry diagnóza   epidemiologie   genetika   MeSH
• kojenec MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• pravé neštovice diagnóza   MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• roční období MeSH
• virus opičích neštovic MeSH
• zoonózy epidemiologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• kojenec MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• kazuistiky MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Konžská demokratická republika MeSH
• střední Afrika MeSH
• západní Afrika MeSH

Monkeypox, or mpox, is a disease that has recently resurfaced and spread across the globe. Despite the availability of an FDA-approved vaccine (JYNNEOS) and an effective drug (tecovirimat), concerns remain over the possible recurrence of a viral pandemic. Like any other virus, mpox virus must overcome the immune system to replicate. Viruses have evolved various strategies to overcome both innate and adaptive immunity. Poxviruses possess an unusual nuclease, poxin, which cleaves 2'-3'-cGAMP, a cyclic dinucleotide, which is an important second messenger in the cGAS-STING signaling pathway. Here, we present the crystal structure of mpox poxin. The structure reveals a conserved, predominantly β-sheet fold and highlights the high conservation of the cGAMP binding site and of the catalytic residues His17, Tyr138, and Lys142. This research suggests that poxin inhibitors could be effective against multiple poxviruses.

• MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• opičí neštovice * MeSH
• Poxviridae * MeSH
• racionální návrh léčiv MeSH
• signální transdukce MeSH
• virus opičích neštovic MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Monkeypox is a rare viral infection, endemic in many central and western African countries. The last international outbreak of monkeypox reported outside Africa occurred back in 2003. However, monkeypox has reemerged at a global scale with numerous confirmed cases across the globe in 2022. The rapid spread of cases through different countries has raised serious concerns among public health officials worldwide prompting accelerated investigations aimed to identify the origins and cause of the rapid expansion of cases. The current situation is reminiscent of the very early stages of the still ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Overlapping features between these, two seemingly alike viral entities include the possibility for airborne transmission and the currently unexplained and rapid spread across borders. Early recognition of cases and timely intervention of potential transmission chains are necessary to contain further outbreaks. Measures should include rapid and accurate diagnosis of cases meeting case definitions, active surveillance efforts, and appropriate containment of confirmed cases. Governments and health policymakers must apply lessons learned from previous outbreaks and start taking active steps toward limiting the recent global spread of monkeypox. Herein, we discuss the status of the current monkeypox outbreaks worldwide, the epidemiological and public health situation at a global scale and what can be done to keep at bay its further expansion and future global implications.

• Klíčová slova
• Monkeypox, Orthopoxvirus, global, human, infection, outbreak,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

Following the report of a non-travel-associated cluster of monkeypox cases by the United Kingdom in May 2022, 41 countries across the WHO European Region have reported 21,098 cases and two deaths by 23 August 2022. Nowcasting suggests a plateauing in case notifications. Most cases (97%) are MSM, with atypical rash-illness presentation. Spread is mainly through close contact during sexual activities. Few cases are reported among women and children. Targeted interventions of at-risk groups are needed to stop further transmission.

• Klíčová slova
• European Region, MPX, Monkeypox, orthopoxvirus, outbreak,
• MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• epidemický výskyt choroby MeSH
• exantém * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• opičí neštovice * diagnóza   epidemiologie   MeSH
• Světová zdravotnická organizace MeSH
• virus opičích neštovic MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

• Klíčová slova
• HIV, Monkeypox, Syphilis,
• MeSH
• HIV infekce * komplikace   farmakoterapie   MeSH
• koinfekce * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• opičí neštovice * MeSH
• syfilis * komplikace   diagnóza   epidemiologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika epidemiologie   MeSH

BACKGROUND: There is a high frequency of monkeypox (MPOX) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in men who have sex with men (MSM). AIM: To identify the sexual behavior of MSM during the MPOX infection period. METHODS: We conducted an observational study of cases and controls were carried out. RESULTS: A total of 171 participants were considered, two heterosexual male controls (MSW) were included for each case of MSM with a consecutive selection of people who attended the STI prevention and control center from January to July 2022. The results revealed that the mean number of sexual partners reported in the last year was higher in cases (4.2) compared to controls 1.9 (p < 0.05). The related conditions for MSM to acquire some type of STI were sexual intercourse under the influence of alcohol (OR 2.42; 95% CI: 1.11-3.96), forgetting to use a protection method (condom) (OR 3.16; 95%: 1.73-7.48) and sexual intercourse with casual couples (OR 1.4; 95% CI: 1.01-2.16). CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated a link between the sexual behavior of men who have sex with men and the high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections during the human monkeypox virus outbreak.

• Klíčová slova
• men who have sex with men, monkeypox, sexual behavior, sexually transmitted infections,
• MeSH
• epidemický výskyt choroby MeSH
• homosexualita mužská * MeSH
• opičí neštovice * epidemiologie   MeSH
• sexuálně přenosné nemoci * MeSH
• sexuální chování MeSH
• studie případů a kontrol MeSH
• virus opičích neštovic MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• pozorovací studie MeSH

The recent human Monkeypox outbreak underlined the importance of studying basic biology of orthopoxviruses. However, the transcriptome of its causative agent has not been investigated before neither with short-, nor with long-read sequencing approaches. This Oxford Nanopore long-read RNA-Sequencing dataset fills this gap. It will enable the in-depth characterization of the transcriptomic architecture of the monkeypox virus, and may even make possible to annotate novel host transcripts. Moreover, our direct cDNA and native RNA sequencing reads will allow the estimation of gene expression changes of both the virus and the host cells during the infection. Overall, our study will lead to a deeper understanding of the alterations caused by the viral infection on a transcriptome level.

• MeSH
• komplementární DNA MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nanoporové sekvenování * MeSH
• opičí neštovice * MeSH
• stanovení celkové genové exprese MeSH
• transkriptom MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• dataset MeSH
• Názvy látek
• komplementární DNA MeSH

BACKGROUND: In the last couple of years, viral infections have been leading the globe, considered one of the most widespread and extremely damaging health problems and one of the leading causes of mortality in the modern period. Although several viral infections are discovered, such as SARS CoV-2, Langya Henipavirus, there have only been a limited number of discoveries of possible antiviral drug, and vaccine that have even received authorization for the protection of human health. Recently, another virial infection is infecting worldwide (Monkeypox, and Smallpox), which concerns pharmacists, biochemists, doctors, and healthcare providers about another epidemic. Also, currently no specific treatment is available against Monkeypox. This research gap encouraged us to develop a new molecule to fight against monkeypox and smallpox disease. So, firstly, fifty different curcumin derivatives were collected from natural sources, which are available in the PubChem database, to determine antiviral capabilities against Monkeypox and Smallpox. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Preliminarily, the molecular docking experiment of fifty different curcumin derivatives were conducted, and the majority of the substances produced the expected binding affinities. Then, twelve curcumin derivatives were picked up for further analysis based on the maximum docking score. After that, the density functional theory (DFT) was used to determine chemical characterizations such as the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), softness, and hardness, etc. RESULTS: The mentioned derivatives demonstrated docking scores greater than 6.80 kcal/mol, and the most significant binding affinity was at -8.90 kcal/mol, even though 12 molecules had higher binding scores (-8.00 kcal/mol to -8.9 kcal/mol), and better than the standard medications. The molecular dynamic simulation is described by root mean square deviation (RMSD) and root-mean-square fluctuation (RMSF), demonstrating that all the compounds might be stable in the physiological system. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, each derivative of curcumin has outstanding absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) characteristics. Hence, we recommended the aforementioned curcumin derivatives as potential antiviral agents for the treatment of Monkeypox and Smallpox virus, and more in vivo investigations are warranted to substantiate our findings.

• Klíčová slova
• DFT, admet, curcumin, molecular docking, molecular dynamic simulation, monkeypox, smallpox virus,
• MeSH
• antivirové látky farmakologie   MeSH
• COVID-19 * MeSH
• kurkumin * farmakologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• objevování léků MeSH
• opičí neštovice * MeSH
• pravé neštovice * farmakoterapie   MeSH
• racionální návrh léčiv MeSH
• simulace molekulární dynamiky MeSH
• simulace molekulového dockingu MeSH
• virus varioly * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• antivirové látky MeSH
• kurkumin * MeSH