Researchers who investigated the monkeypox virus said it appears to have mutated at an unprecedented rate, much faster than experts initially predicted, according to a new study.
The study, which was published Thursday in the medical journal Nature Medicine, found that there were an average of 50 mutations in samples this year when only up to 10 would be expected.
In the study, a group of Portuguese researchers analyzed the first monkeypox sequence published publicly on May 20, along with 14 additional sequences published before May 27.
The researchers found about 50 genetic variations in the viruses, a figure six to 12 times higher than in previous studies of other orthopoxviruses, a family of viruses to which monkeypox belongs.
The study said the mutation rate may suggest a case of “accelerated evolution.”
Smallpox from the monkey can cause blisters, pimples and skin lesions. HANDOUT / UK Health Safety Agency / AFP via Getty Images
João Paulo Gomes, co-author and head of the Genomics and Bioinformatics Unit at Portugal’s National Institutes of Health, said the number of mutations was “quite unexpected”.
“Given that this 2022 monkeypox virus is likely a descendant of the 2017 Nigeria outbreak, no more than five to ten additional mutations would be expected instead of the 50 or so mutations observed,” he told Newsweek .
A man is being vaccinated at a monkeypox vaccination clinic run by CIUSSS public health authorities in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. REUTERS / Christinne Muschi / File Photo
“We hope that now, specialized groups will conduct laboratory experiments to understand whether this 2022 virus has increased its transmissibility.”
There are currently more than 3,500 cases of viruses in 44 countries around the world.
Smallpox, a viral infection that causes skin lesions, is endemic in certain parts of Africa. But the current outbreak has affected countries where the virus does not usually spread, arousing concern.
The CDC said there had also been reports of transmission between relatives and close contacts.
The virus can be spread by exchanging body fluids or clothing with an infected person or animal. It can also be contracted by breathing respiratory drops while talking to someone.
Smallpox can cause blisters and pimples on the skin. Patients also report having rashes after blisters.
The Biden administration announced this week that virus tests will be sent to commercial labs in a fight to expand testing and speed up diagnoses, as confirmed cases nationwide reached 173 on Friday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Smallpox from the monkey can infect anyone, but several cases have been found in the United States and Europe in gay men, which led health officials to press to raise awareness in the community although evidence is still scarce and only people who meet strict criteria such as having lesions can become infected. even take the test.
Recently, the UK announced the launch of a vaccine only for gay and bisexual men.