Genomic surveillance of an imported recombinant Clade Ib and IIb monkeypox virus case in India.

A recombinant Clade Ib and IIb monkeypox virus was identified in India, with a mosaic genome containing 34 recombinant tracts and 21 lineage-associated mutations.

• Why it matters: Understanding recombination in monkeypox virus is crucial because it can impact diagnostics and surveillance efforts, especially as only one recombinant MPXV has been previously reported.
• What they did: Researchers characterized the virus from a travel-associated mpox case in India using genomic sequencing, revealing a mosaic genome with mutations from both clades Ib and IIb, clustering with the UK recombinant.
• The result: This finding highlights the need for enhanced genomic surveillance and diagnostics to monitor recombinant MPXV strains and their potential implications for public health.