Paris: French researchers discovered monkeypox virus in anal samples from asymptomatic men who have intercourse with men, highlighting the likelihood of asymptomatic infection yet another concern in the current viral outbreak.
The most recent monkeypox virus outbreak, which occurred in May, primarily afflicted guys who had sex with men.
Although cutaneous lesions characterise most infections, recent research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine identified three asymptomatic males with no cutaneous abnormalities, yet had positive results.
According to the findings, limiting immunisation to persons who have known exposure to the monkeypox virus may not be effective in preventing infection.
“It is unknown if the asymptomatic infection will play a role in the spread of the monkeypox virus. However, the current global monkeypox epidemic and mechanism of human-to-human transmission may provide evidence that asymptomatic or preclinical spread is possible, “claimed the researchers from France’s Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital.
The researchers tested all anorectal swabs obtained as part of a sexually transmitted infection screening programme for the monkeypox virus.
13 (6.5%) of the 200 asymptomatic people evaluated who were negative for N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis, sexually transmitted diseases, were PCR positive for monkeypox virus. Two of the 13 later developed monkeypox symptoms.
