Emergence and public health implications of the Akhmeta virus: Insights and recommendations | ||||
| Microbes and Infectious Diseases | ||||
| Article 10, Volume 6, Issue 2, May 2025, Page 531-539 PDF (506.12 K) | ||||
| Document Type: Review Article | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/mid.2024.286144.1925 | ||||
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| Authors | ||||
Olalekan John Okesanya 1; Olawunmi Blessing Amisu  2; Emery Manirambona 3; Jerico Bautista Ogaya 4, 5; William K Chung 6; Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno III 7, 8; Bonaventure Michael Ukoaka 9; Mohamed Mustaf Ahmed 10; Nimat Bola Idris 11; Inibehe Ime Okon 12; Gilbert Eshun 13; Cecilia Aderonke Ogunlayi 14
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| 1Department of Public Health and Maritime Transport, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece | ||||
| 2Department of Medical Laboratory Services, State Hospital, Ede, Osun State. | ||||
| 3College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda | ||||
| 4Department of Medical Technology, Institute of Health Sciences and Nursing, Far Eastern University, Manila, Philippines | ||||
| 5Center for University Research, University of Makati, Makati, Philippines | ||||
| 6Department of Biology, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA | ||||
| 7Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom | ||||
| 8Research and Development Office, Biliran Province State University, Naval, Leyte, Philippines | ||||
| 9Department of Internal Medicine, Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria | ||||
| 10Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, SIMAD University, Mogadishu, Somalia | ||||
| 11Department of Public Health, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria | ||||
| 12Department of Research, Medical Research Circle (MedReC), Bukavu, DR Congo | ||||
| 13Seventh Day Adventist Hospital, Agona-Asamang, Ghana | ||||
| 14Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Nigeria | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| Background: Global health concerns have arisen following the discovery and emergence of the akhmeta virus (AKMV) in Georgia. The first two cases of AKMV infection, a novel orthopoxvirus, in 2013, diagnosed among two cattle herders, prompted scientific research into the cause, dynamics of transmission, and clinical signs of the infection. Advancements in genomic technology, particularly regarding genomic characterization, have revealed distinct traits and potential recombination events, shedding light on this organism's evolutionary history and pathogenicity. The characteristic skin lesions and systemic signs of AKMV infections make identification and treatment difficult. An adequate understanding of the natural history and transmission mechanisms is imperative to enact strategic infection prevention measures. More so, immunization, monitoring, and early case identification, backed up by a high index of suspicion, are crucial in mitigating the progression of isolated outbreaks into large-scale epidemics. The disease management modalities must prioritize primary prevention and biohazard combat measures. Concurrently, proactive measures for the prompt development of precision antiviral agents are being instituted to abate further public health harm. To address stigma and foster inclusivity, the disease taxonomy and nomenclature for AKMV should be aligned with WHO guidelines on disease classification and terminology. Mitigating the impact of AKMV and other emerging infectious illnesses on public health requires proactive measures like vaccination, surveillance, and research into antiviral medicines. The role of relevant stakeholders, such as the government, researchers, and healthcare practitioners, is pivotal to combating the potential threat posed by the AKMV. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| AKMV; Orthopoxvirus; Emerging Virus; Disease surveillance; Public health implications | ||||
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