International researchers, including experts from the DTU National Food Institute, have warned that a new variant of mpox could spread quickly across borders. This new variant, called clade 1b, has mutated, making it more infectious.
1.Clade 1b’s Rise and Spread
Clade 1b was first identified in September 2023 in Kamituga, DRC. Genetic studies show that this variant has changed, allowing it to spread more easily between humans. Researchers have found three new subvariants, with one spreading beyond Kamituga to other cities in the DRC, nearby countries, and even internationally to places like Sweden and Thailand. There are also concerns that clade 1b could lead to a higher risk of miscarriage.
This new research was published in Nature Medicine.
2.How Mpox Spread and Changed
Originally, mpox was mainly a disease that spread from animals to humans. However, in 2022, an outbreak mostly affected men who have sex with men. Now, clade 1b is infecting both men and women. There are also more cases among healthcare workers and children.
Professor Frank Møller Aarestrup, from DTU National Food Institute, said, “Like SARS-CoV-2, the virus mutates as it spreads. Clade 1b is more easily transmitted between people, and it’s been found in several countries outside East Africa. In addition, many pregnant women who get infected experience miscarriages.”
The GREAT-LIFE project helped discover clade 1b and developed a new PCR test that can detect it. This new test works when the original mpox test fails.
3.Urgent Need for Cross-Border Action
The spread of this new variant is fast, mainly through heterosexual contact in crowded areas. “Right now, we are seeing uncontrolled transmission of clade 1b in eastern DRC and Burundi. While there are some international cases, we don’t expect a big outbreak outside East Africa yet,” said Frank Aarestrup.
However, he emphasized the need for quick action, especially in high-risk areas. He urged for increased cooperation between countries to track the virus, treat patients, and provide health education, particularly to sex workers. Locally, better vaccination efforts and public awareness campaigns are needed. Globally, travel warnings could help limit the virus’s spread.
4.The GREAT-LIFE Project and Mpox
The GREAT-LIFE project, coordinated by DTU National Food Institute, aims to improve disease detection in East Africa. The project focuses on using portable PCR equipment to test for viral diseases. This effort became even more urgent when the new clade 1b variant emerged in the DRC at the same time the project launched.
The outbreak of mpox in the DRC meant that local researchers and health workers quickly needed the tools provided by the GREAT-LIFE project. This included detecting the new variant and offering research tools to deliver fast results.
5.Key Findings and Statistics
As of January 5, 2025, more than 9,500 people in the DRC have tested positive for mpox, with a fatality rate of 3.4%. The South Kivu province has seen a rapid rise in cases, which is a major concern.
The research shows that:
The mpox virus is more easily spread now.
Most transmissions happen through heterosexual contact.
Sex workers in crowded areas are at high risk.
Many cases are not reported.
Mpox may increase the chance of miscarriage in pregnant women.
Researchers analyzed 670 patient samples. Of those infected, 52.4% were women and 47.6% were men. Most of the cases were spread through sexual contact. There were also a few cases among healthcare workers. Tragically, seven patients died, and eight out of 14 pregnant women lost their babies.
6.Conclusion
This research, published in Nature Medicine, was written by 16 researchers from six countries: DRC, Rwanda, Denmark, the UK, Spain, and the Netherlands. The study was funded by several organizations, including the EU and the EDCTP.
The findings highlight the urgency of controlling the new clade 1b variant and taking action to prevent further spread, both locally and internationally.
Source:DTU (Technical University of Denmark)
Date:Feb 20 2025
