Mpox Virus Infection and Vaccination: Immunopathogenesis and Exploring the Link to Neuropsychiatric Manifestations
Helal F. Hetta,
Ahmad A. Alharbi,
Shumukh M. Alsharif,
Tala T. Alkindy,
Alanoud Alkhamali,
Abdullah S. Albalawi,
Hager Hamdy Sayed,
Moaiad Eldin Ahmed Mohamed,
Yasmine Adel Mohammed,
Yasmin N. Ramadan,
Reem Sayad
Affiliations
Helal F. Hetta
Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Biotechnology, Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
Ahmad A. Alharbi
Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Biotechnology, Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
Shumukh M. Alsharif
Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Biotechnology, Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
Tala T. Alkindy
Division of Microbiology, Immunology and Biotechnology, Department of Natural Products and Alternative Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
Alanoud Alkhamali
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
Abdullah S. Albalawi
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
Hager Hamdy Sayed
Department of Nuclear Medicine, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
Moaiad Eldin Ahmed Mohamed
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
Yasmine Adel Mohammed
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut university, Assiut 71515, Egypt
Yasmin N. Ramadan
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
Reem Sayad
Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
Background and Aim: Monkeypox (Mpox) is a viral disease mainly found in central and western Africa, with symptoms similar to variola virus (smallpox) but distinguished by the early lymph node swelling specific to Mpox. This review summarizes the neuropsychiatric manifestations of Mpox infection and vaccination, along with management approaches. Method: We searched different databases such as PubMed, Scopus, WoS, and Google Scholar about the neuropsychiatric manifestations of Mpox disease and the associated strategies of management. Results and conclusions: Mpox can cause a wide range of neurological symptoms. These range from mild symptoms like headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, and pain to severe symptoms, including seizures, blindness, photophobia, delirium, coma, encephalitis, and transverse myelitis. It is essential to distinguish Mpox from smallpox and other orthopox viruses. Psychiatric issues, such as stigma, disfigurement, isolation, and physical pain, are common in Mpox patients. To address these, healthcare providers should provide accurate information, counseling, and virtual support. Neurological side effects were associated with the previous smallpox vaccine, which offered cross-protection against Mpox. This vaccine has since been replaced by JYNNEOS, which does not pose any neurological risks. Mpox-related neurological symptoms are generally managed with supportive care, including NSAIDs, antibiotics, antiepileptics, and sedatives for seizures. Antivirals like acyclovir are also used. Severe cases may require hospitalization or intubation. So, we recommend early diagnosis, isolation, and prompt treatment, as Mpox spreading to the central nervous system can lead to serious and potentially fatal complications.
