Monkeypox Virus Neutralizing Antibody Test

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) and variola virus (VARV), two members of the family Poxviridae with large genome containing a linear double-stranded DNA molecule, are important human pathogens that can cause fatal human diseases. VARV is the causative agent of human smallpox. Although smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980 following a global immunization campaign, monkeypox is emerging as a significant global threat. MPXV is a zoonotic disease and comprises clade I (ex-Central Africa clade) and clade II (ex-West Africa clade). Viruses from both clades can cause human disease. Clade I is more virulent, while clade II is rarely lethal. The current 2022 outbreak of MPXV is caused by a clade II virus.