Igiene e Sanità Pubblica 2023; 82 (2): 49-59
Syed Sarosh Mahdi3,5, Rabeea Yaqoob2, Raheel Allana4, Gopi Batteneni1, Syeda Sakina3, Daniyal Agha2, Niekla Survia Andiesta5, Muneer Gohar Babar5, Zohaib Ahmed6, Umer Daood7
1The clinical research center, School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, Camerino, 62032, Italy.
2Sohail University, Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Department of Community Dentistry, Karachi, Pakistan.
3Athena center for Advanced Research in Healthcare, Camerino, Italy
4Department of Paediatric & Child Health, Aga Khan University Karachi, 74800, Pakistan.
5Division of Clinical Oral Health Sciences, School of Dentistry, International Medical University , Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
6Research member New York Chapter NYHDA , USA. College of Dental Medicine, Columbia University, NY, USA.
7Restorative Dentistry Division, School of Dentistry, International Medical University , Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Introduction
Monkeypox caused by the Monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, is currently considered a major concern among healthcare authorities due to its high transmissibility rate. Currently, no specific treatment is available for this disease, due to which healthcare professionals, specifically Dentists, are required to look out for symptoms at early stages to prevent its spread.
Objective
To analyze the role of dentists in identifying Monkeypox cases and limiting its spread.
Methods
We conducted a scoping review on monkeypox and its oral manifestation. PRISMA protocols were observed in data collection. The relevant literature search was conducted in relevant databases like PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Relevant articles related to Monkeypox, and Dentistry were included in the final review. Articles published from March 2022- September 2022 were included in the review. Keywords and Mesh words related to monkeypox, and dentistry were used as part of the search strategy.
Results
A total of 1881 articles were reviewed, among which 7 articles were included. Dentists were strongly advised to be on high alert for Monkeypox symptoms due to their close contact with patients. Around 70% of Monkeypox cases reported oral lesions at early stages, which requires a differential diagnosis from other oral lesions. Considering this, dentists should be well-versed in this new and emerging threat.
Conclusion
Although dentists have been shown to play an important role in the treatment of monkeypox, there is insufficient data available. More research on dentistry and monkeypox will be needed in the near future.