Rehab M.ElSaid Tash ^1,2,3* MOHD AHMAR RAUF ⁴ Rehab Hosny El-sokkary ³

• ¹ Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
• ² Zagazig University, Zagazig, Al Sharqia, Egypt
• ³ Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Zagazig, Egypt
• ⁴ Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, United States, USA, Detroit, United States

The recent increase in mpox cases has led to critical inquiries regarding the virus's etiology, evolution, and transmission dynamics. The global dissemination of mpox virus (MPXV) necessitates thoroughly re-evaluating its effects beyond endemic regions. It is critical to fill the current scientific gap to identify at-risk populations and design evidence-based preventive measures to control the current outbreak. Misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis of mpox can lead to larger and longer outbreaks, so clinical and laboratory diagnostic items should be updated regularly. Based on sound studies' designs all dynamic changes should be readily available to the health care workers hereby was Hence, the aim of the special issueresearch topic "Mpox:Understanding the scientific gaps to combat the threat" aims to make mpox related dynamic changes readily available to health care practitioners, as well as the relevant worldwide community scope and information for writers.In the current research topic, Wwe got contributions from Africa and Asia. The topic encompasses Starting by a review of what should be known about the of MPXV, characteristics, and a perspective about the role of one health to prevent the re-emergence of the virus. In addition to , two papers research articles investigatedcovered knowledge, attitude, and perception of health professionals, and medical students, and one of the risk groups; men having sex with men (MSM) about MPX and the willing of men having sex with men (MSM) to be vaccinated. . Lastly, two articles discussedT the clinical presentations and coinfection with other viral infections. were discussed in more two papers.The study of Alakunle et al. presented a comprehensive review of the properties of MPXV by examining the virus's ecology, genetics, and host interactions, . Moreover, they and investigatingpresented its evolution, particularly clade IIb associated with the 2022 outbreaks., with an This emphasizeemphasis abouts the necessity for enhanced comprehension of host immune responses and viral modifications to effectively anticipate and mitigate future outbreaks.The resurgence of mpox was investigated in Nigeria by the study of Ogunleye et al. investigated the resurgence of mpox in Nigeria, emphasizing They highlighted the complex interaction of conditions that have facilitated its dissemination. Their analysis identified human activities, ecological disturbances, and biosecurity failures as the key factors in transmission. The cessation of smallpox vaccination, which previously offered cross-protection, increased susceptibility within the population. They underscored proactive surveillance, vaccination initiatives, and public health education as essential strategies to mitigate future outbreaks.Both researches articles advocate a collaborative One Health approach, highlighting the interrelation between human, animal, and environmental health in the management and prevention of mpox epidemics.Frome Africa, the study of Amer et al. advocates the need for focused education to improve mpox prevention and control. In their survey of 1,034 Egyptian medical students and healthcare professionals, they reported that 55.3% had adequate knowledge about mpox whereas 44.5% and 39.8%, respectively, had positive attitudes and perception. Doctors, married people, and those over 40 showed a higher knowledge level. Males, urban residents, and nurses were associated with positive attitude, whereas married individuals, physicians, and pharmacy/laboratory staff were more likely to have positive perception.The current transmission dynamics of mpox are highly consistent with an STD. Yet sometimes distinguishing between those infections which are transmitted (ie, the "primary" mode of transmission is through sex) and those which are transmissible (ie, the "primary" mode of transmission is through other modes; sexual transmission is possible but not the major mode of transmission) is challenging (Gandhi et al.,2023).The eastern hemisphere had its contribution tackling mpox in the Asian population. The study of Jia et al. investigated twenty Chinese cisgender males with confirmed mpox ;95% of them reported having unprotected sex with men. STIs are present in 15 cases (75%); 13 (65%) were HIV-positive, ten (50%) had syphilis, and eight (40%) had HIV-syphilis co-infection. The majority of whom had well-controlled illnesses. Skin and anal lesions had the highest MPXV loads, indicating close contact transmission. Fever (85%), lymphadenopathy (55%), and skin lesions (85% anogenital) were common symptoms. Recovery took roughly 14 days, and the median incubation period was 8 days. Given the high prevalence of HIV and STI co-infection, the study places a strong emphasis on prevention for young gay males.The readiness to vaccination was examined in the study of Huang et al. They surveyed 1,903 MSM in China to assess knowledge of mpox, concerns, and willingness to vaccinate. They stated that 94.1% of respondents supported vaccine promotion and 69.9% were aware of MPX.The majority of individuals (91.4%) agreed to get vaccinated against mpox. Those who prioritized MSM immunization, thought the vaccine was safe, supported government promotion of the vaccine, or had vaccinated friends were more willing. Married people and those who engage in frequent anal intercourse showed hesitancy. The researchers concluded that although there is a high level of vaccination willingness, MSM uptake can be improved by addressing safety concerns and utilizing social influence.