Monkeypox virus (MPV or MPXV) is a double-stranded DNA virus that causes monkeypox in humans and other animals. It belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus in the family Poxviridae. It is one of the human orthopoxviruses that includes variola (VARV), cowpox (CPX), and vaccinia (VACV) viruses. It is not a direct ancestor to, nor a direct descendant of, the variola virus, which causes smallpox. Monkeypox disease is similar to smallpox, but with a milder rash and lower mortality rate.[1][2][3]
Virus classificatione
(unranked):
Virus
Realm:
Varidnaviria
Kingdom:
Bamfordvirae
Phylum:
Nucleocytoviricota
Class:
Pokkesviricetes
Order:
Chitovirales
Family:
Poxviridae
Genus:
Orthopoxvirus
Species:
Monkeypox virus
Variation in virulence of the virus has been observed in isolates from Central Africa, where strains are more virulent than those from Western Africa.[1] The two areas have distinct clades of the virus, termed Congo Basin (Central African) and West African clades.[4][5]