1. Use of Mpox Multiplex Serology in the Identification of Cases and Outbreak Investigations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
- Author
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Eddy Kinganda-Lusamaki, Lionel Kinzonzi Baketana, Etienne Ndomba-Mukanya, Julie Bouillin, Guillaume Thaurignac, Adrienne Amuri Aziza, Gradi Luakanda-Ndelemo, Nicolas Fernandez Nuñez, Thierry Kalonji-Mukendi, Elisabeth Simbu Pukuta, Antoine Nkuba-Ndaye, Emmanuel Lokilo Lofiko, Emile Malembi Kibungu, Robert Shongo Lushima, Ahidjo Ayouba, Placide Mbala-Kingebeni, Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum, Eric Delaporte, Martine Peeters, and Steve Ahuka-Mundeke
- Subjects
Mpox ,multiplex serology ,outbreak ,Democratic Republic of the Congo ,Medicine - Abstract
Human Mpox cases are increasingly reported in Africa, with the highest burden in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). While case reporting on a clinical basis can overestimate infection rates, laboratory confirmation by PCR can underestimate them, especially on suboptimal samples like blood, commonly used in DRC. Here we used a Luminex-based assay to evaluate whether antibody testing can be complementary to confirm cases and to identify human transmission chains during outbreak investigations. We used left-over blood samples from 463 patients, collected during 174 outbreaks between 2013 and 2022, with corresponding Mpox and VZV PCR results. In total, 157 (33.9%) samples were orthopox-PCR positive and classified as Mpox+; 124 (26.8%) had antibodies to at least one of the three Mpox peptides. The proportion of antibody positive samples was significantly higher in Mpox positive samples (36.9%) versus negative (21.6%) (p < 0.001). By combining PCR and serology, 66 additional patients were identified, leading to an Mpox infection rate of 48.2% (223/463) versus 33.9% when only PCR positivity is considered. Mpox infections were as such identified in 14 additional health zones and 23 additional outbreaks (111/174 (63.8%) versus 88/174 (50.6%)). Our findings highlight the urgent need of rapid on-site diagnostics to circumvent Mpox spread.
- Published
- 2023
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