The first complete DNA sequence of the Monkeypox virus was done in Switzerland

The University of Geneva (UNIGE) and the Geneva Center for Emerging Viral Diseases of the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) has made public the full monkeypox virus DNA sequence from the two first cases discovered in Switzerland on May 21st and 24th, 2022..

Monkeypox has been discovered in 1958 in the aftermath of two outbreaks similar to a pox-like infection in monkey colonies, hence the title "monkeypox."

The Geneva Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases has published the first findings of the Swiss monkeypox genome sequencing. This critical step will allow for further comparison and analysis of genome sequences in other nations. The virus pattern of the initial 2 infections in Switzerland, according to preliminary findings, is genomically connected to reported cases in a number of other countries as part of the present spread. The National Reference Laboratory for Emerging Viruses (CRIVE) shares genome with other scientific world via Platform Genbank.

According to the Virology Laboratory at HUG, a is part of CRIVE, is required by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) to oversee this type of incident, PCR tests confirmed four cases of monkeypox in Switzerland. According to the World Health Organization, these cases are a part of a bigger and uncommon outbreak which has been ongoing in several countries across North and South America, Australia, and Europe,with over 400 known cases since first case was reported in the UK on May 7, 2022. (WHO).

During a period of rising effort to eliminate smallpox, the very first human incident of monkeypox was found in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The virus is detected using a PCR test, particularly in affected lesions as well as other samples. Diagnoses are currently based on tests devised by specialised labs like in Geneva. CRIVE is sharing its protocol with other labs in Switzerland and other countries so that they can include this test in the portfolio of Orthopoxvirus testing.

The CRIVE has been keeping a close eye on the condition and is prepared to respond to any diagnoses requests that relate to the outbreak.