Epidemiological, clinical and virological characteristics of patients with monkeypox. A retrospective study.

Introduction: The outbreak of monkeypox occurred in 2022 and led to a fast spread of the disease worldwide. The goal of this study is to describe the epidemiological, clinical, virological and evolving characteristics of the disorder.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective, observational and analytical study between July and October, 2022, in a Dermatology Unit.

Results: 124 subjects were included. Mean age was 31.5 years, 123 (99.2%) were men and 75 (60.5%) were HIV positive. The main transmission route was sexual and the incubation period was 7 days. The onset of the rash were the genitalia and perianal region in 74.2% of cases, and median time elapsed until the last scab fell off was 16 days. All patients developed a vesicular rash and 86.3% of them had systemic symptoms. Disease was moderate in 68.5% of patients and complications occurred most often when systemic symptoms and/or disseminated skin disease were present. Proctitis was the most frequent complication (59.4%) and its greater incidence was seen in the population with HIV. No significant difference was observed in real-time PCR cycle threshold values with regards to type of sample or duration of disease. Survival rate was 99.2% and other concomitant sexually transmitted infections were detected in 33.8% of patients.

Discussion: It is important to suspect the disease in subjects with high-risk sexual practices and a consistent clinical presentation. Swab samples of lesions as well as of scabs have proven useful for the diagnosis.