Monkeypox and Pregnancy: Latest Updates

Viruses. 2022 Nov 14;14(11):2520. doi: 10.3390/v14112520.

Abstract

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) has emerged as a threatening zoonosis. Its spread around the world has been growing fast over the last 2 years, particularly in 2022. The reasons for this sudden spread are probably multifactorial. The R0 values of the two MPXV clades are rather low, and a massive pandemic is considered unlikely, although the increase in the number of single-nucleotide polymorphisms found in the 2022 MPXV strain could indicate an accelerated human adaptation. Very little is known about the risks of an infection during pregnancy for both the mother and the fetus. Further observations must be made to create clear, adapted, evidence-based guidelines. This article summarizes the current knowledge about MPXV infections and similar pregnancy virus infections.

Keywords: delivery; miscarriage; monkeypox; orthopox; pregnancy; smallpox; vaccine; vertical transmission.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Monkeypox virus / genetics
  • Mpox (monkeypox)* / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.