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Immunology and Microbiology · Research topic

Open research questions in Poxvirus research and outbreaks

45 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 130 Poxvirus research and outbreaks papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.

What the literature leaves open

  • The rapid geographical spread and dynamic modes of transmission of the mpox virus. The genetic diversification among viral strains. The need for improved surveillance and diagnostic approaches.

    Mpox Virus Variants Clade-I and Clade-II Pathogenesis: Mapping the Genetic Mutations, Impact on Viral Fitness, Efficiency of Human-To-Human Transmission, Epidemiological Surveillance · 2026 · DOI

  • The lack of a universally accepted serological gold standard for classification of prior MPXV exposure. The complexity and cost of multiplex assays.

    A simplified antigen-based serological algorithm accurately classifies MPXV exposure and vaccination status · 2026 · DOI

  • The complexity of the virus's replication cycle and its ability to evade the human immune system. The emergence of new variants with high transmission rates. The need for continued surveillance and monitoring of the virus's evolution.

    Virus Mpox : virologie, dynamique évolutive et perspectives thérapeutiques issues de la biodiversité malgache · 2026 · DOI

  • The study notes significant heterogeneity between-study differences in the pooled prevalence of VZV-mpox coinfection. The study highlights the challenge of conducting comprehensive systematic reviews and meta-analyses in resource-limited settings.

    Mpox coinfections and clinical manifestation in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis · 2026 · DOI

  • Further research is needed to understand the epidemiology and clinical impact of mpox coinfections in Africa. Studies should investigate the factors contributing to the heterogeneity between-study differences in the pooled prevalence of VZV-mpox coinfection.

    Mpox coinfections and clinical manifestation in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis · 2026 · DOI

  • The study faced challenges in recruiting participants due to the use of non-probabilistic convenience sampling. The study had to overcome the limitation of a limited sample size. The study had to address the challenge of assessing knowledge and attitudes toward a emerging zoonotic threat.

    Mpox Knowledge and Attitude Among Health Sciences Students in a Peruvian University https://doi.org/10.32945/atr4819.2026 · 2026 · DOI

  • The study used non-probabilistic convenience sampling. The study had a limited sample size of 185 students. The study did not assess temporal changes in knowledge or attitudes related to the evolution of the Mpox outbreak.

    Mpox Knowledge and Attitude Among Health Sciences Students in a Peruvian University https://doi.org/10.32945/atr4819.2026 · 2026 · DOI

  • Further study of the evolution and adaptation of Vaccinia virus. Analysis of the role of natural selection and mutational pressure in shaping codon usage patterns. Investigation of the implications of the study's findings for public health policy and disease control strategies.

    Phylogenetic and genome-wide analysis of codon usage reveals geographic and host-specific adaptation in Vaccinia virus · 2026 · DOI

  • The exact origins of Vaccinia virus remain uncertain. The driving forces behind the genomic evolution and host adaptation of Vaccinia virus are not well understood.

    Phylogenetic and genome-wide analysis of codon usage reveals geographic and host-specific adaptation in Vaccinia virus · 2026 · DOI

  • GTPV had three deeply divergent and genetically stable lineages with limited evidence of recent gene flow, whereas SPPV had weaker clade separation consistent with an ancestral bottleneck followed by recent population expansion.

    Insights into goatpox virus and sheeppox virus genomes from pangenome graphs · 2026 · DOI

  • To address the limited availability of high-quality, labelled monkeypox images. To improve the model's ability to generalize effectively in diverse real-world scenarios. To explore the application of the model in other emerging viral diseases.

    Deep Learning-Based Prediction Model for Monkeypox Detection · 2026 · DOI

  • The lack of efficient, scalable, and accessible diagnostic tools for Monkeypox. The limited availability of high-quality, labelled monkeypox images. The need for rapid and reliable diagnostic tools for emerging viral diseases.

    Deep Learning-Based Prediction Model for Monkeypox Detection · 2026 · DOI

  • Further studies on the molecular aspects of pathogenesis, evolution, transmission, and epidemiology of MPXV clades. Development of effective vaccines and public health strategies.

    Mpox Virus Variants Clade-I and Clade-II Pathogenesis: Mapping the Genetic Mutations, Impact on Viral Fitness, Efficiency of Human-To-Human Transmission, Epidemiological Surveillance · 2026 · DOI

  • The study identifies systemic gaps in surveillance, diagnosis, and response. The study highlights the need for broadly applicable insights for mpox prevention and control in low-incidence regions.

    Mpox-HIV co-infection in a low-incidence setting: epidemiological insights from Qinghai, China · 2026 · DOI

  • Consequently, contact tracing efforts could not be pursed in depth; the timing of expo- sure, stage of infection, and infectiousness of individuals remain unclear, limiting the ability to draw definitive conclusions regard- ing transmission. Third, serological evidence was limited to a single IgG anti- body test, which indicates past exposure but cannot determine when exposure occurred.

    Mpox-HIV co-infection in a low-incidence setting: epidemiological insights from Qinghai, China · 2026 · DOI

  • Further study of the transmission dynamics and genetic variability of the monkeypox virus is necessary. Global cooperation and monitoring are necessary to prevent the spread of mpox. The development of effective vaccines and treatments is crucial to contain the disease.

    An Emerging Global Threat After The COVID-19 Pandemic: Monkeypox Similarities and Differences · 2026 · DOI

  • Variations in ethical approval timelines and procedural requirements across countries. The need for further streamlining of the ethical review process during emergencies.

    Ethical approval processes for research during public health emergencies in Africa: Experiences from a multicountry mpox study · 2026 · DOI

  • The need for further streamlining of the ethical review process during emergencies. The development of adaptive ethical frameworks for addressing emergent issues.

    Ethical approval processes for research during public health emergencies in Africa: Experiences from a multicountry mpox study · 2026 · DOI

  • However, orthopoxvirus surfaces are complex, displaying many antigens across two infectious forms, mature virions (MV) and extracellular virions (EV) and targets relevant to protection remain to be comprehensively defined.

    Comprehensive Profiling of Monkeypox Virus Antigens Identifies Potent Targets for Next-Generation mRNA Vaccine Development · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a need for improved diagnostic methods for mpox virus infection. There is a lack of data on the detection of mpox virus in diverse clinical specimens.

    Mpox viral DNA detected in scab, oropharyngeal and whole blood samples in a child after one month of infection and medical care in the Republic of Guinea · 2026 · DOI

  • However, the prefecture of Macenta, where the case was detected, is a tropical rainforest area where primates and rodents live, both of which are potential reservoirs of MPXV [11], warranting further studies to investigate potential zoonotic spillover.

    Mpox viral DNA detected in scab, oropharyngeal and whole blood samples in a child after one month of infection and medical care in the Republic of Guinea · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a need for reliable serological tools to measure MPXV exposure and evaluate vaccine-induced immunity. The relative diagnostic contribution of individual antigens has not been well defined.

    A simplified antigen-based serological algorithm accurately classifies MPXV exposure and vaccination status · 2026 · DOI

  • The difference in virulence of MPXV subclades in human infection warrants further investigation; however, one critical limitation is the lack of susceptible small animal models.

    Monkeypox virus clade IIb isolate exhibits reduced virulence relative to clade IIa isolates in multiple murine models · 2026 · DOI

  • There are many open questions regarding the impact of co-infections with HIV, STIs, or bacterial superinfections on the diagnosis and treatment of MPXV infections, including clinical and laboratory-confirmed mpox diagnosis, suboptimal treatment effectiveness, and induction of antiviral drug resistance.

    Mpox (Monkeypox) Virus and Its Co-Infection with HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections, or Bacterial Superinfections: Double Whammy or a New Prime Culprit? · 2024 · DOI

  • However, little is known about the monkeypox (mpox) virus (MPXV) in humans, which has a different disease manifestation despite its high sequence similarity to VACV.

    Multi-omics characterization of the monkeypox virus infection · 2024 · DOI

Most-cited papers in Poxvirus research and outbreaks

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45 open questions have been extracted from the limitations and future-work passages of 130 Poxvirus research and outbreaks papers in our library. Each one below links back to the study that raised it, so you can read the original claim in context.

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