Introduction
Human Monkeypox, now referred to by the WHO as Mpox, is caused by the
Monkeypox Virus (MPV) [1]. The MPV was first isolated in 1958 in a
laboratory facility in Denmark, which later became endemic in Central
and West Africa [2]. Interestingly, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic,
Mpox reemerged as a global concern starting in May 2022, as an
increasing number of active cases and mortalities in non-endemic
countries were reported in different parts of the world. Mpox produced
similar presentations, although considered much milder, to the lethal
smallpox virus, predominantly presenting as skin rash and with a
mortality rate ranging from 1-10%. Notable complications of Mpox
included secondary bacterial infections, respiratory distress,
bronchopneumonia, encephalitis, corneal infection with ensuing loss of
vision, as well as gastrointestinal involvement, such as vomiting and
diarrhea with dehydration [3]. To date, gastrointestinal
manifestation in Mpox patients remains poorly understood and
characterized, as there is an evident lack of literature. This
systematic review aims to summarize available evidence regarding the
prevalence of gastrointestinal manifestations in Mpox patients from
available reports and studies.