The virus can be identified with a PCR test, especially from impacted sores and other samples. Credit: HUG
The Geneva Center for Emerging Viral Diseases (UNIGE/ HUG) shares the first sequencing outcomes of the monkeypox genome from Switzerland.
The complete monkeypox infection DNA sequence from the two first cases identified in Switzerland, on the 21st and 24th of May 2022. has been provided openly by the Geneva Center for Emerging Viral Diseases of the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) and the University of Geneva (UNIGE).
The Geneva Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases shares the very first sequencing outcomes of the monkeypox genome from Switzerland. According to preliminary outcomes, the virus series of the very first 2 cases in Switzerland is genomically connected to cases reported in a number of other countries in the context of the present outbreak. Medical diagnosis is based to date on tests established by specialized labs such as the one in Geneva.
The first human case of monkeypox was discovered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970, at a duration of increased effort to eliminate smallpox.
By University of Geneva
June 4, 2022
The Geneva Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases shares the very first sequencing outcomes of the monkeypox genome from Switzerland. This important step will make it possible for more analysis and comparison with genome series from other countries. According to initial outcomes, the virus sequence of the very first two cases in Switzerland is genomically connected to cases reported in numerous other nations in the context of the present break out. The National Reference Laboratory for Emerging Viruses (CRIVE) group shares its genome with the scientific community, by means of the Platform Genbank.
4 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed by PCR test in Switzerland by the Virology Laboratory at HUG, part of the CRIVE, which is mandated by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) to keep an eye on that type of event. Those cases are part of a larger and unusual outbreak that is continuous in several countries in Europe, South and North America and Australia with more than 400 validated cases, according to World Health Organization (WHO), given that the reporting of the very first case in the United Kingdom on the 7th of May 2022.
Monkeypox was first determined in 1958 after 2 break outs of a pox-like disease in nests of monkeys held for study, therefore the name “monkeypox.”.
The virus can be related to a PCR test, particularly from affected lesions and other samples. Diagnosis is based to date on tests established by specialized labs such as the one in Geneva. To enable other labs in Switzerland and around the globe to incorporate this test into their portfolio of Orthopoxvirus tests, CRIVE is sharing its procedure.
The CRIVE is carefully monitoring the situation and is offered for all diagnostic requests associated with this break out.