Clinical Spectrum and Evolution of PCR-Confirmed Monkeypox: A Case Series of 6 Patients
Clinical Spectrum and Evolution of PCR-Confirmed Monkeypox: A Case Series of 6 Patients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66344/jpad.v36i2.3344Keywords:
Monkeypox, Mpox, Genital Rash, Inguinal Lymphadenopathy, Case Series, OrthopoxvirusAbstract
Background The zoonotic orthopoxvirus illness Monkeypox (Mpox) is re-emerging. While historically characterized by a particular course of symptoms, current outbreaks have revealed a range of clinical signs and symptoms, particularly in terms of the onset of lesions as well as systemic prodrome
Objective To explain the clinical characteristics, particular dermatological progression patterns as well as results of 6 patients with PCR confirmed Mpox to help doctors in early identification.
Methods This case series was conducted at Department of Dermatology, Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Lahore, where patients who tested positive for Mpox Virus by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) presenting between December 1, 2025 and January 31, 2026, were incorporated in the study. The data collected as well as analyzed included demographics, traveling history, sexual history, prodromal symptoms as well as lesion morphology, primary site, progression and clinical resolution.
Results Primary lesions appeared in the genital and supra - pubic areas of all 6 male patients (mean age 27.1 years) in crops. Only 33 % (n=2) experienced fever before rash onset, indicating atypical prodromes. Inguinal lymphadenopathy was associated in 100% of cases (n=6), which was noteworthy. Over an average of 9 days, the lesions progressed from papulovesicular to typical umbilicated pustules with central crusting. Within 2.8 to 4 weeks, full clinical resolution had been attained.
Conclusion The present global outbreak of Mpox is characterized by a "genital-first" pattern and highly variable prodromal symptoms, as evidenced by this particular case series. The 100% presence of inguinal lymphadenopathy within our cohort is a crucial diagnostic indicator, particularly when conventional symptoms such as pre-rash fever are not present. Clinicians must maintain a low index of suspicion and a low threshold for PCR assessment when encountering localized genital crops, irrespective of traveling history or febrile condition of the patient.
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