Retrospective Seroprevalence of Orthopoxvirus Antibodies among Key Populations, Kenya

Emerg Infect Dis. 2024 Sep;30(9):1944-1947. doi: 10.3201/eid3009.240510.

Abstract

We identified a cluster of mpox exposures among key populations in Kenya through retrospective serologic screening. We identified strong seropositivity among sex workers and gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. These findings demonstrate the need for increased mpox surveillance among mpox-endemic and mpox-endemic-adjacent regions in Africa.

Keywords: Kenya; antibodies; orthopoxvirus; seroprevalence; sexually transmitted infections; viruses; zoonoses.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Viral* / blood
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kenya / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mpox, Monkeypox
  • Orthopoxvirus* / immunology
  • Poxviridae Infections / epidemiology
  • Poxviridae Infections / immunology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral