KARACHI: Experts at a symposium on Wednesday discussed the evolution of viruses in general, with a focus on the Monkeypox (mpox) virus, and stressed the need for continuous education to raise awareness and prepare the public for challenges.

The event — Monkeypox: Evolution and Clinical Manifestation — jointly organised by the Department of Microbiology at the University of Karachi and the Association of Molecular and Microbial Sciences (AMMS), was held at KU’s Chinese Teachers Memorial Auditorium.

Dow College of Biotechnology Principal Prof Dr Mushtaq Hussain noted that recent cases of the lumpy pox virus were also the result of mutations in the pox virus family, which is related to the mpox virus.

He added that updated viral genome databases show the evolution of ‘Clade I’ of the mpox virus, which is more virulent and prone to mutations.

Dr Muniba Ahsan, an infectious disease consultant at Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), detailed the transmission and pathogenesis of the mpox virus.

She mentioned that the mpox cases reported in Pakistan involve ‘Clade II’, which is less prone to mutation and has a lower virulence and mortality rate.

“There is no need for panic or rumours,” she said. “Since mpox is transmitted only through human contact or fomites, patients with skin diseases should be diagnosed based on their past exposure.”

Dr Najia Ghanchi from Aga Khan University highlighted the importance of diagnosing mpox patients.

She emphasised that molecular diagnostic techniques provide crucial information on the virus type, which is essential for the surveillance of Clade I and II Mpox viruses.

She also informed the audience that the mpox virus belongs to ‘Risk Group 4’, meaning it causes highly contagious diseases. However, she called for a continuous monitoring system to provide early warnings of the emergence of Clade I mpox.

Speaking on the occasion, DUHS Vice Chancellor Dr Saeed Quraishy said with population growth and climate change, the world was facing serious challenges from viral epidemics and only knowledge-based progress could help overcome these challenges.

He urged students to raise mass awareness and take full advantage of the symposium. He emphasised that mass awareness is crucial in addressing the significant challenges faced by the health sector.

He informed the audience that the first case of mpox was reported nearly 50 years ago, but the recent surge in cases signals the potential emergence of new viral diseases.

KU’s Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prof Dr Haris Shoaib, expressed pleasure at seeing the large number of students present, noting that it reflects the younger generation’s seriousness.

AMMS President Prof Dr Muhammad Sohail stressed the need for continuous education to raise awareness and prepare the public for such challenges.

Earlier, Chairperson of the Department of Microbiology, Prof Dr Abdul Wahab, provided a brief on the symposium’s objectives.

Published in Dawn, September 12th, 2024