Clinical Research Directory

Neutralizing Power of Serum Antibodies - 2

Severe forms of COVID-19 and Monkeypox affect immunocompromised and comorbid individuals. Vaccination and monoclonal antibody therapies induce neutralizing antibodies. This neutralizing power is recognized as a correlate of protection against a new infection. This study aims to describe the neutralizing power of serum and nasal antibodies over time, in relation to SARS-CoV-2 and MPXV vaccines or treatments received.

Observational Mondkeypox Pregnancy Cohort

PREGMPOXCO study addresses the escalating Mpox virus (MPXV) infections among pregnant women in South Kivu, DRC following a novel MPXV sub-lineage, predominantly transmitted through heterosexual contact, stressing critical gaps in our understanding of MPXV's impact on pregnant populations. To better understand this altered transmission pattern of MPXV and its impact on this vulnerable population, PREGMPOX will employ both passive and active surveillance techniques to methodologically capture MPXV incidence among pregnant women over two years, integrating data from routine antenatal care and targeted community outreach to timely assess the MPXV's effects on maternal and neonatal health. In sentinel study sites in hot spot areas, the incidence of mpox among pregnant women will be investigated and potential transmission routes determined. MPXV(+) pregnant women will be asked to participate in a cohort study where they will be followed until delivery to document pregnancy outcomes (e.g.: miscarriage, stillbirths, preterm deliveries, neonatal mpox), maternal immune response, virus abundance and pathological changes in the placenta. This will help to determine specific risk factors and modes and frequencies of vertical transmission to the unborn, and generate a list of clinical and immunological predictors for adverse outcomes for pregnant women and neonates. Data on MVA-BN exposure will also be captured to report on its real world effectiveness. As a prerequisite to evaluate the safety of the MVA-BN vaccine and tecovirimat treatment in pregnant women according to the new DRC guidelines, we will establish a comprehensive register of adverse pregnancy outcomes, using a pharmacovigilance model to monitor and analyse adverse events following immunization and treatment. The results of our multidisciplinary studies will be crucial for developing guidelines and recommendations to manage mpox more effectively during pregnancy, and for potentially influencing global health policies.

Clinical and Biological Aspects of the MONKEYPOX Disease

Monkey pox virus (MPXV), of the genus Orthopoxvirus, regularly causes epidemics in endemic areas of central and western Africa. Since January 1, 2022, cases of Monkey pox have been reported to WHO by 96 Member States in the 6 WHO regions. As of 22 August 2022, a total of 41,664 laboratory-confirmed cases and 192 probable cases, including 12 deaths, have been reported to WHO. Since May 13, 2022, a high proportion of these cases have been reported from countries where monkey pox transmission had not previously been documented. For the first time, cases and sustained chains of transmission are being reported in countries without direct or immediate epidemiological links to areas in West or Central Africa (WHO 2022). France is one of the most affected countries with 2889 cases reported as of August 22, 2022. This situation led the WHO Director General to declare, on July 23, 2022, that the monkeypox epidemic currently affecting several countries constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. To address this epidemic, the WHO has recommended Post Exposure Vaccination (PEP) and Pre Exposure Vaccination (PrEP) for at risk groups with 2nd and 3rd generation vaccines. In France, the Haute Autorité de Santé (French National Authority for Health) recommended on May 20, 2022, vaccination for PEP and on July 7, 2022, for PrEP with a 3rd generation MVA-BN vaccine (Imvanex® or Jynneos®). The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved the use of Imvanex® on July 22, 2022 for immunization against MPXV. The objective of the present study is to describe the clinical, biological, virological, pathophysiological and immunological aspects in the short and medium term of persons vaccinated against and infected with MPXV.