The most recent monkeypox (Mpox) outbreak is mostly affecting men who have sex with men (MSM) who participate in high-risk sexual behaviors, which is typically the case among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) carriers, according to clinical and epidemiological statistics. The objective of this research is to determine the epidemiological situation of HIV and smallpox co-infection. Until 1 October 2022, a thorough evaluation of the literature was conducted utilizing the databases PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies were evaluated based on the criteria for selection. Fifty-three studies met the selection criteria. A total of 6345 confirmed cases of monkeypox were recorded, and 40.32% (n = 2558) of these cases also had HIV co-infection. In addition, 51.36% (n = 3259) of the men (91.44%; n = 5802), whose ages ranged from 18 to 71 years, exhibited MSM-specific sexual behaviors. Co-infection with these two viruses can be especially dangerous because it can exacerbate the symptoms of both diseases and make them more difficult to treat. People with HIV are more vulnerable to certain infections, including monkeypox, because their immune systems are weakened. Therefore, it is important that they take measures to prevent infection, such as avoiding contact with infected animals, risky behaviors, and maintaining good hygiene.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the increase in reports of human monkeypox virus infection cases spreading in many countries outside Africa is a major cause for concern. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the evidence of antiviral pharmacotherapy available for the treatment of adult patients with monkeypox. A scoping review of the literature was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and CENTRAL databases until 12 September 2022. The key search terms used were “monkeypox” and “treatment”. A total of 1927 articles were retrieved using the search strategy. After removing duplicates (n = 1007) and examining by title, abstract, and full text, 11 studies reporting case reports of monkeypox with antiviral treatment were included, detailing the number of monkeypox cases, clinical manifestations, number of participants with antiviral treatment, history of sexually transmitted diseases, method of diagnosis, location of skin lesions, drugs used in antiviral treatment, route of administration, and outcome. A total of 1281 confirmed cases of monkeypox have been reported, of which 65 monkeypox cases had antiviral treatment distributed most frequently in the United States (n = 30), the United Kingdom (n = 6), and Spain (n = 6). Of the total cases, 1269 (99.1%) were male with an age range of 18 to 76 years, and 1226 (95.7%) had a sexual behavior of being men who have sex with men. All confirmed cases of monkeypox were diagnosed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The most frequent clinical manifestations were skin lesions, fever, lymphadenopathy, headache, fatigue, and myalgia. The most frequent locations of the lesions were perianal, genital, facial, and upper and lower extremities. The most commonly used drugs for antiviral treatment of monkeypox were: tecovirimat, cidofovir, and brincidofovir. All patients had a complete recovery. According to current evidence, the efficacy and safety of antiviral drugs against monkeypox is of low quality and scarce.

Vaccination against mpox can control the outbreak by targeting high-risk groups such as the LGBTIQ+ community. The aim of the study was to evaluate the perceptions and intentions to get vaccinated against mpox among the LGBTIQ+ community in Peru. We conducted a cross-sectional study from 1 November 2022 to 17 January 2023 in Peru. We included individuals over 18 years old, belonging to the LGBTIQ+ community, and residing in the departments of Lima and Callao. To evaluate the factors associated with the intention to be vaccinated, we used Poisson regression with robust variance to create a multivariate model. The study comprised 373 individuals who self-identified as members of the LGBTIQ+ community. The participants had a mean age of 31 years (SD ± 9), with 85.0% males and 75.3% reporting to be homosexual men. The majority (88.5%) expressed their intention to receive the vaccine against mpox. Believing that the vaccine is safe was associated with a higher intention to be vaccinated (aPR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.50; p = 0.028). Our study population showed a high level of mpox vaccination intent. Educational campaigns reinforcing the concept of vaccine safety should be conducted to increase the intention and possibly the vaccination rate in the LGBTIQ+ community.

: The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge level and perception of dengue fever management among Peruvian physicians and to determine the factors associated with higher knowledge. We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study based on an online survey. To evaluate the factors associated with a high level of knowledge (≥70% of correct answers), we used crude (cPR) and adjusted (aPR) prevalence ratios by the Poisson regression model. Of 359 respondents (median age: 33 years; male: 56.5%), 78.8% achieved a high level of knowledge. Multivariable analysis showed an independent association with having read the Peruvian clinical practice guidelines for dengue management (aPR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.12–1.49), having experience in treating patients (aPR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.03–1.68), and having treated cases frequently (aPR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.02–1.46). Residing in the eastern macroregion (aPR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.71–0.97) was associated with a low level of knowledge. In conclusion, Peruvian physicians had a high level of knowledge about dengue fever. This was associated with having clinical experience in dengue management. However, given the low level of knowledge in the eastern macroregion, educational campaigns are necessary in this area.

Debido al reciente aumento de casos de dengue en América Latina, es necesario realizar medidas preventivas más allá del control del vector o la participación comunitaria. En este sentido, el uso de vacunas ha surgido como una herramienta prometedora. A la fecha, existen tres vacunas en fase III de ensayos clínicos: CYD-TDV, TAK-003 y Butantan-DV, todas ellas mostrando una alta eficacia y seguridad. Varios países de América Latina han comenzado a implementar programas de vacunación con la vacuna TAK-003 (Qdenga®) desde el 2023. Brasil ha iniciado programas de vacunación en niños de 10-14 años y Argentina ha implementado la vacuna TAK-003 a nivel privado. En Perú, pese a los brotes recientes de dengue, la vacunación no ha sido considerada dentro del plan nacional de dengue. Aunque su incorporación representa un reto de salud pública, creemos que la vacuna sería útil para limitar los casos graves y la mortalidad por esta enfermedad.