Monkeypox: Experts Give Virus Variants New Names – African Business

A group of global experts convened by WHO has agreed on new names for monkeypox virus variants, as part of ongoing efforts to align the names of the monkeypox disease, virus and variants—or clades—with current best practices. The experts agreed that the clades would be named using Roman numerals.

Before current best practices for naming viruses and diseases were established, the monkeypox virus was first identified in 1958. The name of the disease it causes is also similar. The geographic regions in which they circulated were the best way to identify the major variants.

It is a good practice to give names to newly identified viruses, related diseases, and variants of viruses. This will avoid offense to any cultural or social groups or professional groups and minimize any negative effects on trade, travel and tourism.

Disease: The International Classification of Diseases (WHO) and the WHO Family of International Health Related Classifications are responsible for assigning new names to existing illnesses. WHO is holding an open consult for a new monkeypox disease name. Anyone can propose new names here (see ICD-11, Add proposals).

Virus: The International Committee on the Taxonomy Viruses is responsible for the naming and classification of virus species. Currently, a process is underway for the identification of the monkeypoxvirus. 

Variants/clades: Scientists often debate the naming and classification of variants for pathogens that exist. WHO convened to speed up agreement in the context the current outbreak. Ad hoc meeting on 8 August to enable virologists and public health experts to reach consensus on new terminology.

Experts in pox, evolutionary biology, and representatives of research institutions from around the globe reviewed the phylogeny as well as nomenclature of the new and existing monkeypox virus variants and clades. They discussed the evolution and characteristics of monkeypox virus varieties, their clinical and phylogenetic differences, and possible consequences for public health as well as future virological or evolutionary research.

The group reached a consensus on a new nomenclature to describe the virus clades. This is consistent with best practice. They also agreed on how virus clades should have been recorded and classified on the genome sequence repository sites.

It was agreed that the former Congo Basin clade (Central African) would now be called Clade one (I), and the former West African Clade two (II). The Clade II includes two subclades, as well.

The proper naming structure is represented by a Roman numeral (clade number) and a lower-case alphanumeric character (subclade number). The new naming convention will include Clade I, Clade IIIa, and Clade IIb. The latter refers to the subclades that were most prevalent in the 2022 global epidemic. As the outbreak evolves, scientists will propose the naming of lineages. As necessary, experts will be reconvened.

While work continues to identify the diseases and viruses, the new names of the clades should be effective immediately.

Distributed by APO Group for World Health Organization (WHO).