In May 2022, there was a reported outbreak of monkeypox (MPVX), primarily affecting men who have sex with men (MSM), and most infections are characterised by cutaneous lesions. A recent study did point out three asymptomatic individuals who tested positive for the anorectal MPXV polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests but had no cutaneous abnormalities. In order to effectively manage an epidemic, it can be useful to know whether MPVX infections may be asymptomatic.
The goal of a recent study, which was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, was to determine whether MPVX was present in the anorectal samples of MSM who had had regular testing for STDs from June 5 to July 11, 2022.
Journal reference:
- Ferré, V.M. et al. (2022). Detection of Monkeypox Virus in Anorectal Swabs From Asymptomatic Men Who Have Sex With Men in a Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening Program in Paris, France. Annals of Internal Medicine. doi: https://doi.org/10.7326/M22-2183. https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/full/10.7326/M22-2183