Assessment of MpoxPlex, a high-throughput and multiplexed immunoassay: a diagnostic accuracy study.

BACKGROUND

In May, 2022, the first global outbreak of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) occurred. In response, public health agencies in the UK have made smallpox vaccines available to individuals at the highest risk of infection. With mpox cases still being detected globally, novel tools are required to aid with diagnosis, serosurveillance, and the evaluation of immune responses following infection and immunisation with current and new vaccine candidates. Here, we describe the development of a multiplexed immunoassay, MpoxPlex, able to measure IgG responses to 12 Orthopoxvirus antigens concurrently and distinguish between responses to infection and vaccination.

METHODS

Using the Luminex (DiaSorin, Saluggia, Italy) platform, antibody responses to vaccinia virus (VACV) antigens B5, A27, and A33 and monkeypox virus (MPXV) antigens E8, B6, B2, M1, A27, A35, H3, A29, and A5 were assessed in serum from individuals after MPXV infection (n=24) and after vaccination (n=75) with modified VACV Ankara-Bavarian Nordic. Assay characteristics and cutoffs were calculated by fitting receiver operating characteristic curves to the median fluorescence intensities of these positive samples and negative samples that were run alongside (n=435). P values were calculated using non-parametric Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunn's multiple comparisons tests.

FINDINGS: Using the results from a combination of eight antigens, we were able to distinguish samples as either post-vaccination or post-infection from negative samples with a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 95%. IgG responses to MPXV antigen A27 were able to distinguish post-MPXV infection with a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 97%. VACV antigen A27 and MPXV antigens A29 and A5 provided little diagnostic advantage.

INTERPRETATION: With additional benefits over current serological assays, we believe this assay will provide substantial insight into the current global outbreak of mpox. MpoxPlex shows use for both serosurveillance and immunological studies of vaccination and infection.

FUNDING: Grant-in-aid funding to the Emerging Pathogen Serology Group at Porton Down, UK Health Security Agency.