Retrospective Screening of Clinical Samples for Monkeypox Virus DNA, California, USA, 2022

Emerg Infect Dis. 2023 Apr;29(4):848-850. doi: 10.3201/eid2904.221576. Epub 2023 Mar 14.

Abstract

We retrospectively screened oropharyngeal and rectal swab samples originally collected in California, USA, for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae testing for the presence of monkeypox virus DNA. Among 206 patients screened, 17 (8%) had samples with detectable viral DNA. Monkeypox virus testing from mucosal sites should be considered for at-risk patients.

Keywords: United States; chlamydia; gonorrhea; human immunodeficiency virus; monkeypox virus; mpox; orthopoxvirus; sexually transmitted infections; syphilis; viruses; zoonoses.

MeSH terms

  • California / epidemiology
  • Chlamydia Infections* / diagnosis
  • Chlamydia Infections* / epidemiology
  • Chlamydia trachomatis / genetics
  • Chlamydia trachomatis / isolation & purification
  • DNA
  • Gonorrhea* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Monkeypox virus / genetics
  • Monkeypox virus / isolation & purification
  • Mpox (monkeypox)* / diagnosis
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae / genetics
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae / isolation & purification
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • DNA