Table 1 Similarities and differences between SARS-CoV-2 and MPX
SARS-CoV-2 | MPX | |
|---|---|---|
Virological classification | Orthocoronavirinae subfamily, Coronaviridae family | Chordopoxvirinae subfamily, Poxviridae family |
Nucleic acid structure | Single stranded RNA | Double stranded DNA |
Forms | Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Omicron with its different clades | Nigerian clade and democratic republic of Congo clade |
Abundant form worldwide | Omicron | Nigerian clade |
Way of transmission | Droplet, direct contact, aerosol | Long-term close direct contact with infected animals, contact with infected body fluids, human-to-human transmission among homosexual men |
Nature of spread | Tides and waves | Constant rise |
Source of body entrance | Attaching its surface spikes to ACE2 receptors on endothelial cells | Macropinocytosis |
Commonest neuropsychiatric manifestations | Strokes, encephalitis, peripheral neuropathy, autoimmune neuropathy, fatigue, lack of concentration, inattention, memory lapses, generalized weakness, sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, chronic headache | Headache, myalgia, photophobia, pain and fatigue, seizures, encephalitis, anxiety, depression up to suicide |
Manifestations in pediatrics | Less aggressive yet rarely MIS-C can develop | More aggressive |