Monkeypox and oral lesions associated with its occurrence: a systematic review and meta-analysis [version 2; peer review: 1 approved, 1 approved with reservations]

• Published in: F1000 research 2023-01, Vol.12, p.964
• Main Authors: Bagde, Hiroj, Dhopte, Ashwini, Bukhary, Ferdous, Momenah, Naif, Akhter, Fatema, Mahmoud, Okba, Shetty, Krishna Prasad, Shayeb, Maher AL, Abutayyem, Huda, Alam, Mohammad Khursheed
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: DNA viruses; Fever; Infections; Lesions; Lymphatic system; Meta-analysis; Mpox; Risk assessment; Skin; Smallpox; Systematic Review; Tropical environment; Ulcers; Viruses; Zoonoses
• ISSN: 2046-1402; 2046-1402
• DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.137363.2

Background A zoonotic, double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the genus Orthopoxvirus, the mpox virus (MPXV) is most common in tropical regions of Central and West Africa. The frequency of monkeypox (mpox) cases, however, has sharply climbed globally since May 2022. Objectives To establish the threat of mpox in terms of the oral lesions caused in sufferers. Materials and methods After a thorough study of the literature identified in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane library databases using the PRISMA framework, 103 papers were found. Using inclusion and exclusion criteria, we chose research that was relevant for our review before shortlisting 14 papers that conformed to the review's guidelines. Results In the 14 selected studies, it was found that oral lesions were among the first clinical signs of a mpox affliction, with ulcers on the dorsal surface of tongue lips being the most common areas affected. Conclusion The rarely observed oral lesions of mpox infection may help in the diagnosis and management of this condition. It is critical to keep in mind that recognising and detecting oral lesions in mpox patients opens the door to more research and efficient patient management.