Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Towards Mpox andAssociated Factors Among HIV-Infected Individuals — Beijing Municipality, China, 2023

   A recent study conducted at Beijing Ditan Hospital examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding mpox among 1,235 HIV-infected individuals, amid rising concerns due to the global mpox outbreak and the absence of smallpox vaccination in younger populations. The cross-sectional study, utilizing online and field surveys, revealed a low awareness rate of 46.0% for mpox among participants, a significant gap when compared to awareness rates for other infectious diseases like AIDS (91.0%) and syphilis (70.9%). The study identified certain factors positively associated with mpox knowledge, including urban residence, homosexual orientation, higher education, and undetectable viral loads. While the attitude towards mpox was moderate, significant barriers were perceived in preventing the disease. Notably, the practice scores were high, indicating proactive behavior in seeking medical advice for mpox symptoms, but with over 20% hesitancy towards the mpox vaccine. High-risk behaviors, such as male-to-male group sex, were reported by about 10% of participants, underscoring the need for targeted health education. The study also found that not having other STDs positively influenced attitudes and practices towards mpox prevention, and a lower viral load correlated with better mpox KAP scores. These findings highlight the need for tailored interventions focusing on HIV-infected individuals, particularly those with STDs or high viral loads, to enhance mpox prevention and control efforts. The study acknowledges limitations such as potential selection bias due to convenience sampling and information bias in sensitive questions.

   For more information: https://weekly.chinacdc.cn/en/article/doi/10.46234/ccdcw2024.024

The Current State and Progress of Mpox Vaccine Research

   A recent scientific article provides an in-depth analysis of the evolution and current state of vaccines against the Mpox virus (MPXV), particularly in light of the discontinued global vaccination for smallpox since 1980. The paper highlights the cross-protection from smallpox vaccines: the first-generation live virus vaccines and second-generation live virus vaccines, including the Tian Tan strain and the ACAM2000, with limitations and side effects, particularly for immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and infants. The development of third-generation attenuated vaccines like MVA and LC16m8 offers reduced side effects and broader application. The article also explores the emerging focus on mRNA vaccines and protein-based subunit vaccines, showing promise but needing clinical validation. In summary, while smallpox vaccines provide some protection against MPXV, there is an urgent need for more effective Mpox-specific vaccines.

   For more information: https://weekly.chinacdc.cn/en/article/doi/10.46234/ccdcw2024.025

A Case of Acute HIV-1 and Monkeypox Coinfection AfterCondomless Insertive Anal Sex in the Previous 69 Days — Beijing Municipality, China, August–October, 2023

   A case study from China highlights the intersection of monkeypox (mpox) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including a rare co-occurrence with acute HIV infection. The patient, a 29-year-old man, presented symptoms typical of mpox, such as fever and papules on the trunk, face, and genital area, after engaging in unprotected sexual activity. PCR tests confirmed mpox, and further investigations revealed acute HIV infection, despite negative rapid HIV tests and a very low CD4 cell count. This case underscores the importance of comprehensive STI testing, including HIV, in individuals with suspected or confirmed mpox, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM). The study details the patient's clinical course, diagnostic challenges, and the effective management of both mpox and HIV. The findings emphasize the need for heightened awareness and proactive testing strategies for HIV in patients with mpox, given the potential for co-occurring infections and the implications for public health and individual patient care.

   For more information: https://weekly.chinacdc.cn/en/article/doi/10.46234/ccdcw2024.026