Project Details
Description
This PhD project aims to provide comprehensive insights into the clinical, epidemiological, and virological dynamics of mpox caused by different monkeypox virus (MPXV clades) (Ia, Ib, and IIb), focusing on outbreak settings in Belgium and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It will evaluate key aspects of disease presentation, transmission dynamics, and viral shedding to inform diagnostic strategies and enhance epidemic preparedness.
MPOX IN BELGIUM
During the 2022 Belgian outbreak of Clade IIb MPXV, we conducted a prospective observational study to compare the clinical presentations of suspected and confirmed mpox cases to identify distinguishing features to guide clinical decision-making.
We set up a second study to assess the risk of infection among contacts with high-risk exposure to Clade IIb MPXV, though prospective longitudinal clinical follow-up and sampling. This approach allowed us to document transmission modes and viral shedding dynamics in secondary cases, including pre- and asymptomatic shedding.
MPOX IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
In DRC, the project focusses on two epidemiological settings.
In Maniema province, we performed a prospective study to estimate the secondary attack rate of MPXV Clade Ia among household contacts and characterize the early disease presentation and viral shedding dynamics of secondary cases.
In South-Kivu, we conducted a prospective clinical characterization study to describe the epidemiological and clinical features of the large Clade Ib mpox outbreak in the region. The study will document the presence of Clade Ib MPXV in different body compartments of confirmed patients, both at the time of presentation and during clinical follow-up, to better understand viral shedding, duration of infectiousness, and potential routes of transmission.
TRANSLATIONAL ASPECTS
We will make a comparison of the clinical, epidemiological, and virological characteristics of MPXV Clades Ia, Ib, and IIb to fine-tune and harmonize diagnostic strategies across different clades.
By integrating clinical, epidemiological, and virological data, we will finally propose an approach for epidemic control in Belgium, in the event of a new clade introduction, thereby strengthening epidemic preparedness and response mechanisms.
MPOX IN BELGIUM
During the 2022 Belgian outbreak of Clade IIb MPXV, we conducted a prospective observational study to compare the clinical presentations of suspected and confirmed mpox cases to identify distinguishing features to guide clinical decision-making.
We set up a second study to assess the risk of infection among contacts with high-risk exposure to Clade IIb MPXV, though prospective longitudinal clinical follow-up and sampling. This approach allowed us to document transmission modes and viral shedding dynamics in secondary cases, including pre- and asymptomatic shedding.
MPOX IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
In DRC, the project focusses on two epidemiological settings.
In Maniema province, we performed a prospective study to estimate the secondary attack rate of MPXV Clade Ia among household contacts and characterize the early disease presentation and viral shedding dynamics of secondary cases.
In South-Kivu, we conducted a prospective clinical characterization study to describe the epidemiological and clinical features of the large Clade Ib mpox outbreak in the region. The study will document the presence of Clade Ib MPXV in different body compartments of confirmed patients, both at the time of presentation and during clinical follow-up, to better understand viral shedding, duration of infectiousness, and potential routes of transmission.
TRANSLATIONAL ASPECTS
We will make a comparison of the clinical, epidemiological, and virological characteristics of MPXV Clades Ia, Ib, and IIb to fine-tune and harmonize diagnostic strategies across different clades.
By integrating clinical, epidemiological, and virological data, we will finally propose an approach for epidemic control in Belgium, in the event of a new clade introduction, thereby strengthening epidemic preparedness and response mechanisms.
| Status | Active |
|---|---|
| Effective start/end date | 6/06/25 → … |
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