Comparative pathogenicity study of monkeypox virus Clade Ib and Clade IIb in a rabbit model.

Clade Ib and Clade IIb.A.2.1 monkeypox virus variants cause similar disease severity in a rabbit model, with both inducing skin and testicular lesions.

• Why it matters: Understanding the pathogenic differences between monkeypox virus clades is crucial for developing effective countermeasures and managing emerging variants in public health.
• What they did: Researchers developed a New Zealand White rabbit model using combined intradermal and intravenous infection routes, observing lesion development and viral excretion in tissues.
• The result: Both variants caused comparable disease symptoms and viral shedding, indicating the rabbit model's potential for evaluating treatments against MPXV.