Persistent Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Human Mpox

ACG Case Rep J. 2023 Jul 8;10(7):e01101. doi: 10.14309/crj.0000000000001101. eCollection 2023 Jul.

Abstract

Mpox is a zoonotic disease caused by the double-stranded DNA Mpox virus (MPXV). Little information has been published regarding the gastrointestinal system and MPXV. This case presents a patient with active ileitis and 60 days of functionally limiting diarrhea after confirmation of MPXV. A diagnosis of postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome was made; however, despite a lack of apparent viral shedding on stool polymerase chain reaction, it remains possible that prolonged diarrhea represented direct sequelae from the MPXV disease. This is important from a public health perspective, suggesting that our ability to recommend removal from isolation may need to be reconsidered.

Keywords: Mpox; colon; colonoscopy; infectious diarrhea; postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports