Monkeypox DNA detected in semen

Posted on by Jesse Santiano, M.D.

This article shows two studies that add more to our understanding of the current monkeypox epidemic.

Monkeypox is a DNA virus from the Pox family. One study from Italy isolated monkeypox DNA from semen in four men who have sex with men (MSM).

All patients travelled in the first 2 weeks of May 2022: three patients participated in a mass gathering event in Gran Canary island (GCI) and one travelled for sex work. During the travel, they had condomless sexual intercourse with different male partners.

 

In Germany, two cases not only showed DNA in their semen but also has the virus in their blood. A condition called viremia. The concentrations in the blood were the same as in the semen. Meanwhile, monkeypox DNA was absent in the urine.  The highest viral concentrations were found in both patients in skin swabs from the pustules

 

There are now 2108 monkeypox cases in the non-endemic areas of the world. A little earlier it was 2097. The cases are going up that fast.

References:

  1. Noe et al. Clinical and virological features of first human monkeypox cases
    Monkeypox cases in Germany. June 6, 2022
  2. Antinori et al. Epidemiological, clinical and virological characteristics of four cases of monkeypox support transmission through sexual contact, Italy, May 2022. Eurosurveillance. Volume 27, Issue 22, 02/Jun/2022