Monkeypox virus from neurological complications to neuroinvasive properties: current status and future perspectives

Cases of monkeypox (MPV) are sharply rising around the world. While most efforts are being focused on the management of the first symptoms of monkeypox, such as cutaneous lesions and flu-like symptoms, the effect of the monkeypox virus (MPXV) on multiple organs still remains unclear. Recently, several neurological manifestations, such as headache, myalgia, malaise, fatigue, altered consciousness, agitation, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting, have been reported in patients with MPV. In addition, data from experimental studies have indicated that MPXV can gain access to the central nervous system (CNS) through the olfactory epithelium and infected circulatory monocytes/macrophages as two probable neuroinvasive mechanisms. Therefore, there are growing concerns about the long-term effect of MPXV on the CNS and subsequent neurological complications. This paper highlights the importance of the neuroinvasive potential of MPXV, coupled with neurological manifestations.

Automated summary

The number of monkeypox cases is rapidly increasing worldwide. Despite efforts to manage the initial symptoms, such as skin lesions and flu-like symptoms, the effects of the monkeypox virus on multiple organs remain unclear. Recent findings show neurological symptoms in patients and experimental studies suggest that the virus can invade the central nervous system through neuroinvasive mechanisms. This highlights the importance of understanding the neuroinvasive potential and neurological manifestations of MPXV.