UK study reveals that fever plays a crucial role in inhibiting Monkeypox (Mpox) virus
Charles Tee Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Sep 03, 2024 1 week, 5 days, 17 hours, 53 minutes ago
Medical News: The Role of Fever in Combating Monkeypox
A recent study conducted by researchers from the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) and the Department of Infectious Diseases at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow has uncovered a fascinating interaction between fever and the monkeypox virus (MPXV). This
Medical News report delves into how elevated body temperatures, a common symptom during monkeypox infection, can significantly inhibit the replication of the virus. The study’s findings have important implications for understanding how our bodies naturally combat infections and may influence future treatment strategies. This article will explore the key findings of the study, highlighting the impact of fever on the virus and its broader implications.
UK study reveals that fever plays a crucial role in inhibiting Monkeypox (Mpox) virus
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Key Findings: Fever as a Natural Defense
The research team focused on understanding how febrile temperatures, which are common during monkeypox infection, affect the virus's ability to replicate. Monkeypox, a virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus, has been causing concern globally, particularly since the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a significant rise in cases in 2022.
Fever, ranging from 38.3 to 40.5°C, is a frequent symptom in those infected with the virus. However, the precise effect of this temperature elevation on the virus has remained unclear until now.
The researchers isolated a strain of MPXV from a patient presenting with fever and rash during the 2022 outbreak. By analyzing the virus in different temperature conditions, they discovered that higher body temperatures significantly restrict the replication of MPXV. Specifically, when infected cells were incubated at febrile temperatures of 38.5 and 40°C, the replication of the virus was either restricted or completely halted. Notably, this thermal inhibition was reversible when the temperature was lowered to 37°C, without any lasting damage to the virus's ability to replicate.
How Fever Enhances the Immune Response
The study also found that fever not only inhibits the virus directly but also enhances the body's immune response. The type-I interferon (IFN) response, a critical part of the immune system's defense against viruses, was found to work synergistically with elevated temperatures to further restrict MPXV replication. This combined effect suggests that fever and the immune response work together to create an environment that is hostile to the virus, making it harder for the infection to take hold.
Interestingly, the study showed that this inhibition was not permanent. Once the temperature was brought back down to normal levels, the virus could resume replication. This finding is significant as it suggests that fever acts as a temporary barrier, giving the immune system time to mount a stronger defense against the virus.
>The Broader Implications of the Study
The implications of these findings are far-reaching. Fever, often seen as a mere symptom of infection, plays a much more critical role in fighting off viruses than previously thought. By restricting the replication of the virus at higher temperatures, fever essentially buys time for the immune system to respond more effectively. This discovery could lead to a re-evaluation of how fevers are treated in clinical settings, particularly in viral infections like monkeypox.
Moreover, the study highlights the importance of not rushing to lower fevers with medication in certain viral infections, as doing so might inadvertently aid the virus. Understanding the delicate balance between fever and the immune response could inform better treatment strategies that support the body's natural defenses.
Conclusion: The Vital Role of Fever in Infection Control
In conclusion, this study findings provide critical insights into the role of fever in controlling monkeypox virus infections. The researchers have shown that elevated body temperatures can significantly inhibit the replication of the virus, working in tandem with the immune system to prevent the spread of the infection. These findings underscore the importance of fever as a natural defense mechanism and could influence future approaches to treating viral infections.
The study findings were published in on a preprint sever.
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.29.560106v2
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/u-s-nih-finds-that-tecovirimat-the-mpox-drug-many-countries-were-stockpiling-is-not-effective-against-the-new-clade-1-strain
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/chinese-researchers-warn-that-current-vaccines-are-inefficient-in-protecting-against-emerging-mpox-virus
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