Study: Monkeypox pathogen has mutated surprisingly strongly
June 24, 2022, 1:14 pm

Study: Monkeypox pathogen has mutated surprisingly strongly

Test tubes labeled “Monkeypox virus positive” are seen in this illustration taken on May 22, 2022. (Reuters)

A study showed that the pathogen causing the current outbreak of monkeypox has mutated surprisingly strongly.

Compared to related viruses in 2018 and 2019, there are around 50 differences in the genotype, a team from Portugal wrote in the Nature Medicine journal, based primarily on analyses of Portuguese cases.

This is roughly six to 12 times more than would have been expected for this type of pathogen on the basis of earlier estimates. The divergent branch could be a sign of accelerated evolution, the Anews reported, citing the DPA.

The study led by João Paulo Gomes of the National Institute of Health Dr Ricardo Jorge (INSA) in Lisbon said: "Our data reveals additional clues of ongoing viral evolution and potential human adaptation."

Experts had so far spoken of a fundamentally rather slow development with regard to this type of virus, especially compared to the very numerous mutations of the Covid-19 virus.

The authors of the study suspect one or more introductions from a country where the virus is persistent to be behind the current outbreak. Superspreader events and international travel then appeared to have promoted further escalation.

Lebanon reports first case of monkeypox

Experts also suspect that enzymes of the human immune system were responsible for these changes in the genome.

They added that the were no indications whether the mutations favoured the current spraed, but that could not be ruled out.

Worldwide, almost 5,000 monkeypox infections have been reported this year. Of these, 3,308 cases were registered in 40 countries outside Africa as of Wednesday, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Circular: Dubai residents who contract monkeypox must quarantine for 21 days

The disease is spread through close physical contact. Although the disease can be deadly, it is treatable but comes with a phase of bothersome skin rashes.

Source: anews

Boris Johnson: Ukrainians who come to UK illegally could be sent to Rwanda Car bomb takes life of Moscow-appointed official in Ukraine’s Kherson

BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”