Persistence of monkeypox virus at oral and rectal sites
Janet M Towns, Chuan Kok Lim, Eric P. F. Chow, David Lee, Christopher K. Fairley, Catriona S. Bradshaw, Ranjit S Samra, Deborah A. Williamson, Marcus Y. Chen
Abstract
In 2022, a global outbreak of monkeypox virus occurred, predominantly affecting men who have sex with men (MSM).1 We aimed to ascertain the infectiousness of mpox (previously monkeypox) from oral and anal sites over time, relative to the clinical clearance of mucocutaneous mpox lesions elsewhere. This prospective cohort study recruited MSM with suspected mpox, and those reporting contact with mpox at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Melborne, VIC, Australia, from June 23 to Oct 26, 2022. These men self-collected oral and anal swabs, as well as urine for monkeypox virus PCR and viral culture at first presentation (day 0), with repeat testing being done weekly, when reviewed for clinical clearance, until lesion resolution.