Synopsis
A recent study reveals that the Mpox Clade 1b variant, spreading primarily in Africa, poses a higher risk of miscarriage and is more infectious. This research, involving international collaboration, highlights the urgent need for precautionary measures and better health education in affected regions.Key Takeaways
- Mpox clade 1b is more infectious.
- High risk of miscarriage associated with the variant.
- Identified in Kamituga, DRC, and spreading internationally.
- Infections are primarily through sexual contact.
- Research indicates the need for increased health education.
New Delhi, Feb 21 (NationPress) The new variant of Mpox clade 1b, currently spreading worldwide, especially in Africa, is not only more contagious but also heightens the risk of miscarriage, as indicated by a study conducted by a team of international researchers.
The research, which involved genetic analyses of clade 1b—first identified in September 2023 in Kamituga, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)—revealed that this variant has undergone several mutations, leading to a higher rate of human-to-human transmission.
Published in the journal Nature Medicine, the study identified three new subvariants, with one having spread from Kamituga to other cities within the DRC, neighboring nations, and even internationally, reaching Sweden and Thailand. Additionally, Clade Ib has been reported in the US, causing four mpox cases since November of last year.
The research team, consisting of members from six countries including DRC, Denmark, the UK, and Spain, indicated that the “new findings may also imply that clade 1b carries a significant risk of miscarriage.” Among the 670 patient samples analyzed, 52.4 percent of those infected were women, while 47.6 percent were men.
Most infections were transmitted through sexual contact, although three cases were documented among healthcare workers. Out of seven deceased patients, eight out of 14 pregnant women experienced miscarriages.
"For clade 1b, we observe that a specific subvariant seems to have improved its ability to spread among humans, and it has now been detected in multiple countries outside East Africa. Furthermore, the rate of miscarriage among infected pregnant women is notably high among those we have tested," stated Professor Frank Moller Aarestrup from the DTU National Food Institute in Denmark.
Initially, mpox was recognized as a zoonotic disease primarily transmitted from animals to humans. However, in 2022, an outbreak predominantly affected men who have sexual relations with men. The new clade 1b stands out as both men and women are now contracting the virus.
Moreover, there is a growing incidence of infections among healthcare personnel and children, according to the research team.
Aarestrup noted that while "there is some international transmission, we currently do not foresee a large outbreak outside the epicenter in East Africa.”
The researchers emphasized the importance of “avoiding close contact, especially sexual interactions, in high-risk regions”; and advocated for enhanced cross-border collaboration to monitor disease spread, treat patients, and provide health education, particularly for sex workers.
