Discarded Condoms Reveal Mpox Spread and STD Risks in 16 Countries

What is it about?

This study used discarded condoms to monitor the spread of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in 16 countries across Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. Researchers collected over 20,000 used condoms from various locations and tested them for the mpox virus (MPXV) and other STDs. They found that 1.3% of samples contained MPXV DNA, with the highest rates in India, Pakistan, and Thailand. The study also detected co-occurrence of MPXV with other STDs like herpes, HIV, and gonorrhea in some samples. This novel surveillance method demonstrates that used condoms can be an indirect tool for tracking mpox transmission and its overlap with other STDs in communities, especially in resource-limited settings.

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Photo by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on Unsplash

Photo by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study is critically important because it introduces a novel, cost-effective method for monitoring mpox in resource-limited settings across 16 countries in the Global South. By using discarded condoms as a surveillance tool, it provides unique insights into mpox transmission patterns and genetic variations at the community level, which may be missed by traditional clinical surveillance. The study reveals concerning co-occurrences of mpox with other STDs, highlighting potential compounded health risks. This approach respects individual privacy while gathering vital public health data, potentially identifying under-reported outbreaks and informing targeted prevention strategies. As mpox continues to spread globally, this innovative surveillance method offers a valuable new tool for public health authorities to track and respond to outbreaks, particularly in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure.

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