Overview:
Fiocruz, through its Genomics Network, has concluded the genetic sequencing of the monkeypox virus (MPXV) collected from a sample coming from Rio de Janeiro. The technique allows the detailed DNA of the pathogen, contributing to a better understanding of the current outbreak – which already exceeds 4,700 cases worldwide, according to data gathered by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC/USA).
Introduction
The sequencing was performed from the virus detected in samples of the first case with positive results analyzed by the Enterovirus Laboratory of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/Fiocruz), headed by virologist Edson Elias. The laboratory is a reference for the Ministry of Health for laboratory diagnosis of suspected cases of the disease. The male patient was treated at the Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases (INI/Fiocruz), in Manguinhos (RJ), in mid-June.
Through metagenomic analysis, using the Illumina technology, it was possible to confirm that the virus belongs to the B.1 clade. This is the genetic group with the largest circulation today and responsible for the outbreak that has already reached more than 40 countries. The procedure – the first performed from a case of monkeypox from Rio de Janeiro state – was conducted by the Fiocruz Genomics Network, under the guidance of researcher Paola Resende, from the Laboratory of Respiratory Viruses and Measles at the IOC.
The Laboratory in Brazil
In June 2022, the IOC Enterovirus Laboratory was formalized as a national reference for monkeypox, being responsible for analyzing samples from the state of Rio de Janeiro and the entire Northeast region (Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Maranhão, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, and Sergipe).
Recently, in partnership with the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the Laboratory has promoted training in MPXV detection for seven Latin American countries (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela), as a way to prepare the region for a possible outbreak of the disease.
Special attention to symptoms
- sudden onset of fever
- enlarged glands
- rash.
Also watch out for close and prolonged exposure without respiratory protection, direct physical contact, including sexual contact, or contact with contaminated materials, such as clothing or bedding, with a probable or confirmed case of monkeypox, or history of travel to endemic countries or with confirmed cases of the disease.
Confirmed Cases of Monkeypox
In June more than 1,700 cases were confirmed in 36 countries, mainly in Europe, such as the United Kingdom (470), Spain (275), Portugal (231) and Germany (229). In the Americas region, cases have been diagnosed in Canada (123), the United States (65), Argentina (3), Mexico (2), and Venezuela (1). In Brazil there are already 4 positive cases.
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References
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