A new book on Poxviruses by Nature Springer features two key chapters contributed by Lancaster University researchers.

The book brings together leading experts in virology, molecular biology, epidemiology, and public health to offer an integrated, multidisciplinary, and in-depth understanding of the poxviruses with a focus on Mpox (monkeypox). The book provides a thorough exploration of the genetic and biological nature of poxvirus, the clinical outcome, and approaches such as antiviral and vaccines currently being applied to control and prevent infection.

Lancaster University's contributions to the book include two comprehensive chapters that enhance our understanding of Mpox. The first chapter, led by Dr Mustafa Atasoy, outlines the potential of Mpox in leaping from animals to people (zoonotic) and occasionally from people to animals (zooanthroponotic). Specifically, this chapter highlights rationales and molecular factors that support the spread of infection among animals, and risks to humans and delivers working guidelines to stop these transmission events.

The second chapter, led by Dr Mohammed Rohaim, critically assesses how Mpox interacts with the host and leads to the development of the disease. The detailed nature of virus replication in the host not only provides readers with the complex interaction but also how our immune system safeguards against Mpox. Importantly, this document highlights unique targets of the Mpox which can guide the development of future therapeutics and novel vaccines.

Professor Muhammad Munir, senior author in the chapters, said: “Due to several environmental and anthropogenic factors, more and more infections are leaping from animals to humans. The recent Mpox pandemic is the most recent witness of this challenging human-animal interface. My group specialized in zoonotic infections, aims to share up-to-date and critical knowledge on emerging and re-emerging infections. I am confident that these contributions provide invaluable information to virologists and focus groups working on zoonotic pathogens, globally.”

Owing to the recent emergence of Mpox cases globally especially in America and Europe, this book offers a timely, comprehensive, and important source of education across multiple interest groups including healthcare professionals, virologists, infectious diseases researchers, and anyone interested in global health. Collectively, the book empowers interested stakeholders in devising practical guidelines for not only the prevention but also management of Mpox which has remained endemic in many African countries since the 1950s.