Mpox: Diagnosis and Management for the Inpatient Dermatologist

AbstractPurpose of ReviewMpox, though largely a self-limited disease, may have severe manifestations requiring hospitalization, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. This review highlights the history and epidemiology, clinical course, diagnostic pearls, and management of mpox in the context of inpatient dermatology.Recent FindingsThe 2022 outbreak had unique features in comparison to previous outbreaks and endemic mpox, including a predominance of anogenital lesions and an atypical progression of lesion morphologies. The frequency of concurrent STIs is as high as 76%- necessitating co-testing for HIV and other STIs. Intradermal administration of the live, nonreplicating vaccine (Jynneos) requires 1/5th of the standard dose, shows similar immunogenicity, and provides increased vaccination reach.SummaryMpox may require hospitalization in cases of severe disease, uncontrolled pain, or with other cutaneous complications. The inpatient dermatologist plays an important role diagnosis of mpox and should recognize the variability in morphologic presentation and need for STI and HIV co-testing.
Source: Current Dermatology Reports - Category: Dermatology Source Type: research