Genetic Characteristics of the Virus Detected in the First Mpox Imported Case in Tokyo, Japan.

Abstract

Mpox, caused by the mpox virus (MPXV), produces symptoms similar to those of smallpox when transmitted to humans. Since 1970, this disease has been endemic, particularly in Africa. However, since May 2022, the number of patients without a history of travel to endemic areas has increased rapidly globally. Under these circumstances, in July 2022, two different real-time PCR methods were used on specimens brought to the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health. MPXV was detected in the skin samples, and it was inferred that the virus was a West African strain. Furthermore, a more detailed analysis of the genetic characteristics of the detected MPXV using next-generation sequencing revealed that the MPXV detected in Tokyo was strain B.1, which corresponds to the same strain that is prevalent in Europe and the USA. This suggests that mpox reported for the first time in Japan was imported and related to outbreaks in Europe and the USA. Therefore, it is necessary to continue monitoring outbreaks in Japan in conjunction with global epidemics.