Current and perspective sensing methods for monkeypox virus: a reemerging zoonosis in its infancy

TL;DR

This review evaluates current monkeypox virus detection methods, highlighting PCR as the gold standard, discussing alternatives like LAMP and RPA, and emphasizing the need for innovative diagnostics for better outbreak response.

Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of existing monkeypox detection techniques and identifies gaps, especially in resource-limited settings, suggesting directions for future diagnostic innovations.

Findings

PCR is the gold standard for MPXV detection.

LAMP and RPA are promising alternatives to PCR.

Current diagnostics have limited innovation and need improvement.

Abstract

Objectives The review is dedicated to evaluate the current monkeypox virus (MPXV) detection methods, discuss their pros and cons, and provide recommended solutions to the problems. Methods The literature for this review is identified through searches in PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and Science Direct advanced search for articles published in English without any start date until June, 2022, by use of the terms "monkeypox virus" or "poxvirus" along with "diagnosis"; "PCR"; "real-time PCR"; "LAMP"; "RPA"; "immunoassay"; "reemergence"; "biothreat"; "endemic", and "multi-country outbreak" and also, by tracking citations of the relevant papers. The most relevant articles are included in the review. Results Our literature review shows that PCR is the gold standard method for MPXV detection. In addition, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) have been reported as alternatives to PCR. Immunodiagnostics, whole particle detection, and image-based detection are the non-nucleic acid-based MPXV detection modalities. Conclusions PCR is easy to leverage and adapt for a quick response to an outbreak, but the PCR-based MPXV detection approaches may not be suitable for marginalized settings. Limited progress has been made towards innovations in MPXV diagnostics, providing room for the development of novel detection techniques for this virus.