Modelling the impact of a smallpox attack in India and influence of disease control measures

Edward Jenner: The Pioneer of Vaccination and His Enduring Legacy in Modern Medicine

Edward Jenner's work in the latter part of the 18th century laid the groundwork for contemporary vaccination techniques and represented a crucial moment in the battle against contagious diseases. Born in 1749 in Berkeley, Gloucestershire, Jenner received early medical training under the guidance of John Hunter, a distinguished British surgeon. Although variolation offered some immunity to smallpox, it was a hazardous procedure that could result in severe illness or even death. It was within the context of limited and hazardous medical practices that Jenner made his revolutionary observation that milkmaids who had contracted cowpox, a relatively mild illness, appeared to be immune to smallpox. This local folklore piqued Jenner's interest, leading him to investigate the potential of cowpox as a safer alternative to variolation. His work paved the way for the development of vaccines for other infectious diseases, transforming public health and establishing a foundation for modern immunology. The smallpox vaccine became a crucial element of public health initiatives, ultimately leading to the global eradication of the disease by the late 20th century. Jenner's contributions have saved countless lives and represent a testament to the enduring influence of his work on global health. His pioneering efforts laid the groundwork for vaccines that protect us today, solidifying his place as one of the most influential figures in medical history.

Human monkeypox infection threat: A comprehensive overview

BACKGROUND

In addition to the COVID-19 waves, the globe is recently facing global monkeypox (MPX) outbreak. As the daily confirmed cases of MPX infection across epidemic and nonepidemic countries are increasing, taking measures to control global pandemic remains crucial. Therefore, this review aimed to provide fundamental knowledge for the prevention and control of future outbreaks of this emerging epidemic.

METHODS

The review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases; the search terms used were "monkeypox," "MPX tropism," "replication signaling of MPX," "biology and pathogenicity of MPX," "diagnosis of MPX," "treatment of MPX," "prevention of MPX," etc. The update epidemic data were collected from the websites of the World Health Organization (WHO), United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention (ADCC). High-quality research results published in authoritative journals were summarized and preferred cited. Excluding all duplicates, non-English published references, and irrelevant literature, totally 1,436 articles were assessed for eligibility.

RESULTS

It is still difficult to diagnose the patient as MPX simply based on clinical manifestations; therefore, under this situation, employing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology to provide confirmed evidence for the diagnosis of MPX seems to be the preferred and indispensable strategy. The treatment approach for MPX infection is mainly symptomatic and supportive; anti-smallpox virus drugs including tecovirimat, cidofovir, and brincidofovir can be employed in severe cases. Timely identification and isolation of confirmed cases, cutting off dissemination routes, and vaccination of close contacts are effective measures to control MPX. Also, smallpox vaccines (JYNNEOS, LC16m8, and ACAM2000) can be under consideration due to their immunological cross-protection among Orthopoxvirus. Nevertheless, given the low quality and scarcity of relevant evidence of current antiviral drugs and vaccines, deeply seeking for the MAPK/ERK, PAK-1, PI3K/Akt signaling, and other pathways involved in MPX invasion may provide potential targets for the treatment, prevention, and control of the epidemic.

CONCLUSIONS

In response to the current MPX epidemic, the development of vaccines and antiviral drugs against MPX, as well as the rapid and precise diagnostic methods are still urgently needed. Sound monitoring and detection systems should be established to limit the rapid spread of MPX worldwide.

Modeling and analysis of monkeypox disease using fractional derivatives

The frequency of monkeypox outbreaks and the extent of the projected outbreaks in human populations have both steadily increased. This paper proposes Atangana-Baleanu fractional-order derivatives define in Caputo sense to investigate the kinetics of Monkeypox transmission in Ghana. We determine the stability of the recommended model's equilibrium points and basic reproduction number. The solution's existence and originality, as well as the model's Hyers-Ullam stability, are proven. The models basic reproduction number was found to be R ₀ = 0.1940. The numerical simulation showed the fractional operator had an influence on the various compartments of the model. The dynamics of the disease in the community were shown to be influenced by fractional-order derivatives, and infections were eradicated within the first five (5) days when π = 0.2.

Vaccination for Monkeypox Virus Infection in Humans: A Review of Key Considerations

Monkeypox virus infection in humans (MVIH) is currently an evolving public health concern given that >3000 MVIH cases have been reported in >50 countries globally, and the World Health Organization declared monkeypox a global health emergency on 23 July 2022. Adults (≥16 years old) usually have mild disease in contemporary studies, with a pooled case fatality rate of 0.03% (1/2941 cases). In comparison, poorer outcomes have been reported in children <16 years old (pooled case fatality rate 19% (4/21 cases)), immunocompromised patients, and pregnant women, with high rates of fetal demise in this group. Monkeypox-specific treatments include oral or intravenous tecovirimat, intravenous or topical cidofovir, oral brincidofovir, and vaccinia immunoglobulin, but the overall risk−benefit balance of monkeypox-specific treatment is unclear. Two effective vaccines exist for the prevention of MVIH: modified vaccinia Ankara and ACAM2000. Most probably, vaccination will be a key strategy for mitigating MVIH given the current rapid global spread of monkeypox, the existence of efficacious vaccines, and the uncertain risk−benefit profile of current antivirals. Priority groups for vaccination should include healthcare workers at high risk for occupational exposure, immunocompromised patients, and children. Vaccination strategies include pre-exposure vaccination, post-exposure prophylaxis, and ring vaccination of close contacts.

Vaccination for COVID-19 control and considerations for Australia

Vaccines remain the main prospect for an exit strategy from the COVID-19 pandemic, and may, depending on efficacy, duration of protection and uptake, make herd immunity feasible. If herd immunity is not achievable, SARS-COV-2 will circulate long-term. There are many vaccine candidates in development and choices between vaccines that will vary in efficacy and safety. The efficacy of available vaccines is compared and ranges from 62–95% against symptomatic infection with the G614 variant. Efficacy is reduced against new variants of concern and is uncertain against asymptomatic infection. Some vaccines show a better protective immune response than natural infection. The principles of herd immunity and prerequisites for achieving it, such as vaccine efficacy, duration of protection and coverage, are discussed. The alternative vaccine strategies including mass vaccination, targeted risk or age-based vaccination and ring vaccination, as well as speed of vaccination are reviewed. Finally, the impact of variants of concern on vaccine programs and the logistics of mass vaccination are discussed.