Category
Theoretical Proposal
Description
Introduction: Mpox epidemiology during the 2022–2025 global outbreaks has been extensively characterized within men who have sex with men (MSM) networks. However, transmission dynamics among non-MSM populations including heterosexual men, women, children, and mixed-population groups remain insufficiently described. This gap limits comprehensive public health understanding and response. This study aims to: (1) identify exposures and transmission routes among non-MSM populations, (2) describe demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, and outcomes, and (3) identify evidence gaps to inform preparedness strategies.
Methods: This systematic review will follow PRISMA-P guidelines. A comprehensive literature search will be conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL for studies published between January 2022 and December 2025, supplemented by grey literature. Eligible studies will include observational studies, case series, surveillance reports, and mixed-methods research reporting primary human Mpox infection data. Intervention-only trials, laboratory-based studies, and modeling studies without primary epidemiologic data will be excluded. Two independent reviewers will perform study screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment using standardized tools.
Results: Given anticipated heterogeneity across study designs and reported outcomes, findings will be synthesized narratively, with tabular summaries of key variables including transmission routes, exposures, demographic characteristics, and clinical outcomes.
Conclusion: This review is expected to enhance understanding of understudied transmission pathways in non-MSM populations, support the development of equitable and inclusive public health messaging, and identify critical gaps in the literature. Findings will contribute to strengthening outbreak preparedness and guiding future epidemiologic research beyond traditionally emphasized risk groups.
Epidemiology and Sexual Transmission of Mpox in Non-MSM Populations: A Systematic Review Proposal (2022-2025)
Theoretical Proposal
Introduction: Mpox epidemiology during the 2022–2025 global outbreaks has been extensively characterized within men who have sex with men (MSM) networks. However, transmission dynamics among non-MSM populations including heterosexual men, women, children, and mixed-population groups remain insufficiently described. This gap limits comprehensive public health understanding and response. This study aims to: (1) identify exposures and transmission routes among non-MSM populations, (2) describe demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, and outcomes, and (3) identify evidence gaps to inform preparedness strategies.
Methods: This systematic review will follow PRISMA-P guidelines. A comprehensive literature search will be conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL for studies published between January 2022 and December 2025, supplemented by grey literature. Eligible studies will include observational studies, case series, surveillance reports, and mixed-methods research reporting primary human Mpox infection data. Intervention-only trials, laboratory-based studies, and modeling studies without primary epidemiologic data will be excluded. Two independent reviewers will perform study screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment using standardized tools.
Results: Given anticipated heterogeneity across study designs and reported outcomes, findings will be synthesized narratively, with tabular summaries of key variables including transmission routes, exposures, demographic characteristics, and clinical outcomes.
Conclusion: This review is expected to enhance understanding of understudied transmission pathways in non-MSM populations, support the development of equitable and inclusive public health messaging, and identify critical gaps in the literature. Findings will contribute to strengthening outbreak preparedness and guiding future epidemiologic research beyond traditionally emphasized risk groups.
