On August 14th, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the mpox outbreak a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern" (PHEIC). This is the second time in two years that WHO has made such a declaration for a mpox outbreak. PHEIC is the highest level of alarm under international health regulations, and WHO stated that the mpox outbreak has the potential to spread further in Africa and to other continents. According to a report released by the African Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from the beginning of this year until July 28th, new cases of mpox in Africa have surged by 160% compared to the same period last year. Recently, new cases of mpox have also been reported in countries like Sweden and Thailand.

In response to the rapidly spreading new wave of the mpox outbreak, MGI has developed an exceptional sequencing product portfolio for pathogenic microorganisms, covering the entire process from sample to report. This enables rapid and efficient identification and tracing of emerging and unknown pathogens, making it a crucial tool in controlling the mpox outbreak. MGI's product portfolio has played a crucial role in monitoring the mpox virus, providing invaluable support to multiple national and local public health institutions, including the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CCDC) and local Center for Disease Control and Prevention. From China's first mainland case to the initial case in Shenzhen, MGI's expertise has been instrumental in helping these organizations effectively control mpox outbreaks.

The recent surge in mpox cases is attributed to a novel strain of the virus. Mpox virus (MPXV) exists in two clades: clade I and clade II. The global outbreak in 2022 was driven by clade II, while the newly identified Ib clade of mpox has been spreading across Africa in recent months.

According to Michael Marks, a professor of medicine at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, previous studies have shown that clade I tends to have a higher mortality rate of 1-10%, according to different studies, compared to clade II, which is normally less than 1%.

Colorized transmission electron micrograph of monkeypox particles (teal) found within an infected cell (brown), cultured in the laboratory. Image captured and color-enhanced at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility (IRF) in Fort Detrick, Maryland.

MGI's sequencing product portfolio for pathogenic microorganisms, developed with proprietary reagents, instruments, and software, includes two key product solutions: targeted sequencing and metagenomic sequencing. These products are rapidly being upgraded to enhance the identification and monitoring of new mpox virus strains. The product portfolio is compatible with sequencing instruments such as the DNBSEQ-G99, DNBSEQ-E25, DNBSEQ-G50, and DNBSEQ-G400, featuring automated library preparation and data analysis. MGI's proprietary DNBSEQ technology ensures high-quality sequencing data, essential for the accurate identification and traceability of the mpox virus.

1.     Mpox (MPXV) Targeted Sequencing Solution

MGI’s targeted sequencing product portfolio for pathogenic microorganisms is based on ATOPlex multiplex PCR technology. It includes a mpox virus amplicon sequencing panel that covers the full-length genome of the virus, enabling rapid identification and traceability, and also can provide relative quantification of the virus. The MPXV analysis software supports virus identification, mutation detection, and strain typing, allowing for rapid and accurate analysis of sequencing data.

MGI Monkeypox (MPXV) Targeted Sequencing Solution

2.     Metagenomic Sequencing Solution

MGI's metagenomic sequencing product portfolio for pathogenic microorganisms uses the MGIEasy Fast FS DNA Library Prep Set for library preparation. High-throughput sequencing technology allows for the identification and tracing of unknown pathogens in samples. The PFI analysis software can rapidly identify unknown pathogens, while the MPXV analysis software supports mpox genome assembly and other specific analyses for mpox.

In September 2022, MGI collaborated with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention to complete the whole-genome sequencing of the virus in China’s first mpox case (in Chongqing) using the DNBSEQ-G99. This helped the CDC system with emergency tracing and provided scientific evidence for the rapid formulation of epidemic prevention strategies.

In September 2023, MGI partnered with the Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention to obtain a highly reliable full-length strain sequence in a short time using the targeted sequencing product solution, completing the tracing of the mpox virus in Shenzhen's first case.

*The article about the traceability of mpox virus cases based on DNBSEQ-G99 published in 2023

MGI’s platforms have gained substantial expertise in the field of pathogenic microorganisms, supporting global research institutions, CDCs, and other organizations in the discovery, sequencing, and tracing various pathogens, including mpox, tuberculosis, psittacosis, COVID-19, and influenza. With an extensive global network and a reliable supply chain, MGI is well-positioned to provide rapid support for infectious disease control worldwide.

As of December 31, 2023, MGI has established a global presence across six continents and more than 100 countries and regions, with research and production bases, training centers, and after-sales service centers strategically located worldwide. Since 2019, MGI’s gene sequencing equipment has been instrumental in building Africa's first high-throughput genome sequencing center, consistently providing robust support to enhance sequencing capabilities across the continent. This has helped enhance sequencing capabilities and contributed technological strength to epidemic control and rapid response to major public health events. Additionally, MGI's technology and equipment are being utilized in Africa in areas such as agricultural genomics and precision oncology, offering valuable tools to improve public health and advance genetic technology for the benefit of the African population.

Adhering to the vision of “Leading Life Science Innovation", MGI remains committed to meeting the needs for whole-genome sequencing, targeted sequencing, and metagenomic sequencing in the field of infectious disease control, providing more automated, convenient, and efficient tools for the monitoring and early warning of pathogenic microorganisms.

Learn more about MGI Mpox solution