Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Aug 22, 2024 3 weeks, 15 hours, 14 minutes ago
Mpox News: As the Mpox (monkeypox) virus continues to spread worldwide, researchers are sounding alarms about its potential to invade the nervous system, leading to severe neurological complications. This
Mpox News report delves into the findings of a study review conducted in 2022, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and preparedness in addressing the neuroinvasive properties of the virus.
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Probable transmission routes for entry of MPXV into the brain tissue. MPXV can reach the brain tissue through two probable routes, such as olfactory epithelium and infected monocytes/macrophages. After intranasal inoculation, the virus rapidly is replicated in the nasal septum and mucosa and detected in the brain parenchyma. Data also showed that infected monocytes in circulation may cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and reach the brain tissue. MPXV can rapidly replicate into the macrophages and release from these cells into the brain. MPXV Monkeypox virus
Researchers from Iran University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, and Shefa Neuroscience Research Center have been investigating the neurological implications of the Mpox virus, which is traditionally known for causing skin lesions and flu-like symptoms. Numerous studies suggest that the virus could also infiltrate the central nervous system (CNS), leading to various neurological symptoms.
The study review shed light on how the virus could potentially cause long-term damage to the brain and nervous system. The neuroinvasive capacity of the Mpox virus, as outlined by these researchers, is a cause for growing concern.
Neurological Symptoms Linked to Mpox
The initial symptoms of Mpox typically include fever, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, and a characteristic rash. However, several cases have also reported neurological symptoms such as headaches, myalgia (muscle pain), fatigue, altered consciousness, and seizures. These symptoms suggest that the virus may have the ability to penetrate the CNS, leading to more severe and potentially long-lasting complications.
In one study, patients infected with Mpox exhibited a range of neurological symptoms, from mild headaches to severe encephalitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the brain. The evidence points to the virus's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, a protective shield that typically prevents harmful substances from entering the brain.
Mechanisms of Neuroinvasion
The researchers identified two primary mechanisms by which the Mpox virus might invade the CNS:
-Olfactory Epithelium Route: The virus could gain access to the brain through the olfactory epithelium, the tissue responsible for our sense of smell. Experimental studies on animals have shown that after intranasal inoculation, the virus replicates in the nasal septum and mucosa before being detected in the brain.
-Infected Circulatory Monocytes/Macrophages: Another possible route is through infected monocytes or macrophages
(types of white blood cells) that circulate in the bloodstream. These infected cells could cross the blood-brain barrier, introducing the virus into the brain tissue.
Both mechanisms highlight the virus's potential to cause neurological damage, raising concerns about the long-term impact of Mpox on survivors.
Global Implications and the Need for Vigilance
The neuroinvasive potential of Mpox is not just a medical curiosity; it has significant public health implications. As the virus continues to spread across continents, understanding its full range of effects is crucial for developing effective treatment and prevention strategies.
The researchers emphasize that while most current efforts focus on managing the skin lesions and flu-like symptoms of Mpox, the potential for neurological damage cannot be overlooked. The long-term effects on the CNS could lead to chronic conditions, affecting patients' quality of life long after the initial infection has cleared.
Study Findings and Future Research Directions
The study provides a comprehensive review of the current understanding of Mpox's neurological complications and its neuroinvasive properties. The researchers call for more in-depth studies to fully elucidate the mechanisms by which the virus invades the CNS and to assess the long-term consequences of these infections.
Future research should focus on both in vitro (laboratory-based) and in vivo (live subject) studies, as well as postmortem analyses, to uncover the exact pathways of neuroinvasion and the extent of brain damage caused by Mpox. Understanding these mechanisms is vital for developing targeted treatments that can mitigate the neurological impact of the virus.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The growing evidence of Mpox's neuroinvasive potential underscores the need for heightened awareness and a proactive approach to managing the disease. Healthcare providers, neurologists, and public health officials must be vigilant in monitoring for neurological symptoms in patients with Mpox, particularly as the virus continues to spread globally.
In conclusion, the neuroinvasive properties of Mpox present a new and concerning dimension to this already dangerous virus. The potential for long-term neurological complications makes it imperative that we broaden our focus beyond the immediate symptoms and consider the full spectrum of the virus's impact on the human body.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Neurology.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00415-022-11339-w
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