Patterns of Genomic Deletions in Monkeypox Virus During 2022 Outbreak

Strategic Insights -

Research from the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases revealed a significant finding on the 2022 monkeypox outbreak in the United States. The study analyzed over 2,000 monkeypox virus (MPXV) genomes and found a total of 31 distinct deletions, ranging from 573 to 21,576 base pairs. These deletions resulted in the loss of predicted genes and novel gene products. Most notably, a 3370 base pair deletion mutant was found to predominate in a U.S. state during late 2022.

Key Takeaways:

  • Researchers analyzed 2,000 MPXV genomes from the 2022 outbreak, discovering 31 distinct deletions, with the majority occurring in the first 25,000 base pairs or last 50,000 base pairs of the genome.
  • The study found that large deletions can result in the loss of predicted genes and the creation of novel gene products, potentially influencing the virus's evolution.
  • A 3370 base pair deletion mutant was found to predominate in a U.S. state during late 2022, and a 913 base pair deletion mutation was independently observed in multiple countries and MPXV sub-lineages.
  • The study's findings provide evidence of a mechanism of poxvirus evolution through genomic deletion and gene loss.
  • Although no single dominant deletion emerged during the 2022-2023 outbreak, large deletions have the potential to impact therapeutic or diagnostic targets.
  • The authors highlight the need for continued research into the genetic mechanisms driving monkeypox virus evolution.

Statistics:

  • 31 distinct deletions were observed in MPXV genomes during the 2022 outbreak.
  • The majority of deletions (94%) occurred in the first 25,000 base pairs or last 50,000 base pairs of the genome.
  • A 3370 base pair deletion mutant predominated in a U.S. state during late 2022.
  • A 913 base pair deletion mutation was independently observed in multiple countries and MPXV sub-lineages.

Sources:

  • Patterns of genomic deletions in monkeypox virus during the 2022 outbreak in the United States. Nature Communications, 2025;16(1):8942.
  • NewsRx. Findings from National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases Provides New Data on Monkeypox (Patterns of genomic deletions in monkeypox virus during the 2022 outbreak in the United States). Genomics & Genetics Weekly. October 24, 2025; p 541.