Naslov
Monkeypox in men who have sex with men in Croatia: the first 10 patients

Autori
Romih Pintar, Vanja ; Zekan, Šime ; Begovac, Josip

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, sažetak, znanstveni

Skup
6th International Symposium Sexually Transmitted Infections - New Horizons

Mjesto i datum
Brijuni, Hrvatska, 16.09.2022. - 18.09.2022

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Poster

Vrsta recenzije
Domaća recenzija

Ključne riječi
Monkeypox ; MSM ; Croatia

Sažetak
Human monkeypox virus infection (MPXV) is an endemic zoonotic disease prevalent in regions of Africa, that has recently spread worldwide. Since the start of the outbreak in May 2022, confirmed cases of monkeypox (MPX) have been reported from 29 EU/EEA countries. Transmission of MPXV occurs through large droplets, close or direct contact with skin lesions and contaminated fomites. Current spread of MPXV in Europe has predominantly affected men who have sex with men (MSM) which suggests transmission through sexual activity. The first case of MPX in Croatia was diagnosed at the University Hospital for Infectious Diseases (UHID) at the end of June 2022. We present information on the risk factors, transmission, clinical presentation and outcomes of MPX in patients treated at UHID. We present a case series of patients with polymerase-chain-reaction confirmed MPX infection who presented at UHID in the period of June – July 2022. Information on the risk factors, transmission, clinical presentation and outcomes of MPXV infection were abstracted from the medical records. We report data from 10 patients with monkeypox. All patients were MSM with suspected transmission through sexual activity. Median age was 36 years (IQR 29 - 50). The most prevalent symptoms were the presence of vesicular-umbilicated, ulcerative and pseudo- pustular skin lesions (90 %), localized lymphadenopathy (90%) and fever (80 %). The location of the lesions was predominantly in the genital or perianal area. Concomitant sexually transmitted infection was reported in 3 patients. Symptoms of urethritis was reported in 4 patients and proctitis in 2 patients. Monkeypox virus DNA was detected in pharyngeal swab in 3 patients, urethral swab in 1 patient, rectal swab in 4 patients and skin lesions in 7 patients. All cases were mild, self-limited and did not require hospitalization. Monkeypox is an emerging infectious disease in Europe where community transmission is reported, mainly in MSM. By presenting this case series we aim to draw attention to this new public health problem and emphasize.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kliničke medicinske znanosti

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