Retrospective investigation of overlooked Mpox virus infection in saliva
samples from patients with suspected syphilis in Japan
Abstract
The clinical presentation of Mpox (monkeypox) resembles that of several
other sexually transmitted infections. Although cases of Mpox are
thought to be overlooked in the clinical setting, no study has
investigated whether this is the case in Japan. In this study, we
retrospectively screened suspected cases of syphilis to investigate
overlooked cases of Mpox in Japan. We retrospectively analyzed 88 saliva
samples and 78 whole blood samples from 88 patients treated in general
internal medicine and infectious disease clinics. Molecular diagnostic
testing revealed Mpox virus DNA in the saliva and blood samples of 1
patient with suspected primary syphilis in April 2023. This case was
retrospectively diagnosed as Mpox. The findings of this study indicate
that health care providers should be aware of Mpox as a differential
diagnosis in patients with sexually transmitted infections. Improved
access to molecular diagnostic testing may reduce the risk of overlooked
cases of Mpox. Retrospective screening using saliva samples could help
to increase opportunities to intervene against Mpox transmission.