Monkeypox Virus Evolution before 2022 Outbreak

Abstract

Phylogenetic analysis of monkeypox virus genomes showed statistically significant divergence and nascent subclades during the 2022 mpox outbreak. Frequency of G>A/C>T transitions has increased in recent years, probably resulting from apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide 3G (APOBEC3) deaminase editing. This microevolutionary pattern most likely reflects community spread of the virus and adaptation to humans.

Keywords

• Monkeypox virus
• MPXV
• mpox
• transmission
• evolution
• adaptation