Submission ID 117069
| Issue/Objective | Mpox, caused by the Monkeypox virus, has recently re-emerged in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with the Clade Ib variant. Understanding its transmission dynamics, disease severity, and clinical outcomes-particularly its impact during pregnancy-is essential for informing clinical management and public health interventions. This study aims to characterize Mpox transmission patterns, clinical progression, and maternal-fetal outcomes in South Kivu, DRC. |
|---|---|
| Methodology/Approach | A prospective observational cohort study is being conducted at Kamituga and Miti-Murhesa hospitals in South Kivu, enrolling pregnant women with suspected Mpox, adverse pregnancy outcomes, or fetal abnormalities, alongside non-pregnant individuals. Data collection follows the WHO-standardized ISARIC protocol and incorporates a validated Core Outcome Set for maternal and neonatal research and surveillance. Clinical, virological, and behavioral data are captured, and biological specimens-including blood, throat swabs, lesion swabs, maternal blood, cord blood, and placental tissue-are collected for analysis. Disease severity is classified as mild, moderate, severe, or critical. |
| Results | Preliminary analysis of the first 100 cases suggests that community (42%) and sexual (37%) transmission are the predominant routes, with vertical transmission observed in 4% of cases. Severe disease was reported in 50% of patients, with genital rashes as the initial presentation in 87% of sexually transmitted cases. Among pregnant women, 30% had live births, 40% experienced miscarriages, and 30% resulted in neonatal deaths. Two neonates tested positive for Mpox, providing further evidence of potential vertical transmission. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | This study offers the first in-depth characterization of Clade Ib Mpox, underscoring its possible vertical transmission and associated adverse perinatal outcomes. These findings are crucial for informing evidence-based interventions to mitigate Mpox transmission and improve clinical outcomes in affected populations. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Pacifique Ndishimye AIMS-RIC, TGHN/University of Oxford Leandre Murhula Masirika Congo Outbreaks, Research for Development Jean Claude Udahemuka Stansile Gloria Rukomeza TGHN Freddy Siangolo Belesi Division Provinciale de la Santé Eva Liliane Ujeneza AIMS-RIC Audace Mukiza Stansile Tom Edinburgh University of Oxford Veronica Pingray IECS Esteban Garcia-Gallo University of Oxford Trudie Lang University of Oxford |
