Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, has resurfaced as an important public health concern. Following the eradication of smallpox in 1980, scientists have remained vigilant about poxviruses, particularly mpox. The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency in 2022 and again in 2023 due to escalating outbreaks. The recent emergence of a new strain that appears to transmit between humans has heightened fears among health officials.
About Mpox Virus Clades
Mpox virus consists of two main clades – Clade I and Clade II. Clade I includes subclades Ia and Ib, while Clade II comprises IIa and IIb. Clade IIb was responsible for the 2022 global outbreak. Clade Ib, identified in late 2023, primarily affects Central Africa. Clade Ia, the oldest variant, has caused sporadic infections since 1970 but recently showed evidence of human-to-human transmission.
Mechanism of Viral Mutation
Viruses evolve through mutations in their genetic material. Each time a virus infects a host, an enzyme called polymerase replicates the virus’s DNA or RNA. Occasionally, it makes errors, leading to mutations. The rate of these mutations varies among viruses. Poxviruses, including mpox, have a lower mutation rate due to an in-built proofreading mechanism.
The Role of APOBEC Proteins
APOBEC proteins can introduce additional mutations in viral DNA during replication. These proteins typically convert cytosine to thymine, resulting in important genetic changes. Recent studies indicated that the recent mutations in mpox clade Ia were largely influenced by APOBEC activity. This suggests that clade Ia has been circulating among humans since 2016, raising alarms about its transmissibility.
Antiviral Response and Vaccination Strategies
Different mpox clades respond variably to antiviral treatments. The emergence of human-to-human transmission in clade Ia may complicate treatment approaches. Despite the concerning findings, vaccination campaigns in Africa continue, albeit with limited doses. Health authorities are prioritising vaccination in affected regions to curb the outbreak effectively.
Current Public Health Implications
The resurgence of mpox puts stress on the need for ongoing surveillance and research. Countries are urged to enhance their vaccination strategies and prepare for potential outbreaks. About the genetic evolution of the virus is crucial for developing effective treatments and preventive measures.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of viral mutations on the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases.
- What are the implications of the emergence of new virus strains on global public health strategies? Explain with suitable examples.
- Comment on the role of international health organisations in managing emerging infectious diseases.
- Explain the significance of genetic research in understanding and combating viral diseases like mpox and HIV.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of viral mutations on the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases.
Viral mutations influence transmission dynamics by altering a virus’s ability to infect hosts and evade immune responses. High mutation rates can lead to the emergence of variants that spread more efficiently, as seen with SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. In the case of mpox, mutations introduced by mechanisms like APOBEC proteins have enabled human-to-human transmission, which was previously limited. These changes can affect disease severity, transmissibility, and vaccine efficacy, necessitating continuous surveillance and adaptation of public health strategies to mitigate outbreaks effectively.
2. What are the implications of the emergence of new virus strains on global public health strategies? Explain with suitable examples.
The emergence of new virus strains complicates global public health strategies by necessitating rapid adaptation of surveillance, vaccination, and treatment protocols. For instance, the emergence of the mpox clade Ia with evidence of human-to-human transmission requires immediate reassessment of vaccination campaigns in affected regions. Similarly, the emergence of variants of concern in COVID-19 brought into light the need for booster vaccines and updated treatments. These developments tell the importance of global collaboration and resource allocation to address evolving threats and protect public health effectively.
3. Comment on the role of international health organisations in managing emerging infectious diseases.
International health organizations, such as the WHO, play a critical role in managing emerging infectious diseases by coordinating global surveillance, response strategies, and resource distribution. They provide guidelines for vaccination campaigns, outbreak containment, and research funding, as seen during the mpox outbreaks where the WHO declared public health emergencies. These organizations facilitate information sharing among countries, helping to implement best practices and ensure preparedness against potential pandemics, thereby enhancing global health security.
4. Explain the significance of genetic research in understanding and combating viral diseases like mpox and HIV.
Genetic research is vital in understanding viral diseases like mpox and HIV as it elucidates mechanisms of mutation, transmission, and resistance. By studying viral genomes, researchers can identify mutations that affect transmissibility and virulence, informing vaccine development and treatment strategies. For instance, understanding how APOBEC proteins influence mpox mutations has implications for controlling outbreaks. Similarly, genetic vital information about HIV have led to targeted therapies and vaccine designs. Thus, genetic research is essential for developing effective public health responses and advancing therapeutic interventions.
