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Mpox Virus Evolves in Brain, Defying HIV Patient Treatment
14 Apr
Summary
- Advanced HIV patient died with drug-resistant mpox in brain.
- Mpox replicated in the brain, defying typical skin lesion presentation.
- Case shows mpox resistance to antiviral drug tecovirimat.
A man with advanced HIV died from mpox that had replicated and evolved within his brain, a situation documented by US scientists. This finding, based on an autopsy, indicates mpox can spread beyond skin lesions and continue multiplying in the brain. The virus exhibited mutations suggesting resistance to tecovirimat, an antiviral medication.
The case emphasizes the potential for mpox to become entrenched, particularly in areas like Africa where untreated HIV is prevalent. Researchers expressed concern that reduced global health funding could lead to prolonged infections and more severe mpox cases. Multiple strains of mpox are currently circulating, with an increasing concentration of cases in Africa.
The deceased patient, who had clade IIb mpox, experienced over seven months of worsening illness despite antiviral treatments. This single case suggests mpox can persist and develop resistance-driving mutations within the brain, necessitating urgent improvements in detection, control, and therapeutic development.
