Background Mpox (formerly monkeypox) is a viral disease caused by the mpox virus
(MPXV), endemic in Central and West Africa and currently causing a global outbreak of
international concern. Much remains unknown about sample types most suited for mpox
laboratory diagnosis. While it is established that high viral loads can be found in active skin
lesions (currently the recommended mpox laboratory confirmation specimen type), WHO
mpox testing guidelines encourage the use of oropharyngeal swabs as an additional …