AJCY2401 - CME/CMLE - CME/CMLE - Monkeypox virus cytologic findings: An institutional experience with an emerging threat-Monkeypox virus cytologic findings: An institutional experience with an emerging threat

Monkeypox virus cytologic findings: An institutional experience with an emerging threat

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The article discusses the first documented cases of monkeypox cytology obtained from swabs of mucocutaneous lesions. Monkeypox, caused by a contagious orthopoxvirus, can be confirmed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of lesions. The cytologic features of monkeypox include nuclear atypia, multinucleated keratinocytes, and possible Guarnieri bodies, which differentiate it from other viral entities. The document presents the cytology findings from three male patients with confirmed monkeypox cases. The patients showed nuclear cytopathic changes, enlarged nuclei with open chromatin, and prominent red nucleoli. Multinucleated keratinocytes were also observed in two cases. The study emphasizes that recognizing these cytologic changes could prompt appropriate PCR testing for monkeypox. The article also discusses the distinctive features of monkeypox, its history, genetic clades, epidemiology, clinical presentations, and differential diagnosis. Limitations of the study include the small sample size and potential differences in cytologic changes based on slide preparation methods. In conclusion, while PCR remains the gold standard for diagnosing monkeypox, cytologic examination of lesions may serve as a screening tool, especially in resource-limited settings. The distinct cytologic features identified in monkeypox cases can aid in differentiation from other similar viral infections like herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus.

Keywords

monkeypox

cytology

mucocutaneous lesions

orthopoxvirus

polymerase chain reaction

nuclear atypia

Guarnieri bodies

cytopathic changes

multinucleated keratinocytes

PCR testing