Nguyen Tien Huy, MD, PhD
Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
Graduate School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health (TMGH), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
Randa Elsheikh, MD, MSc
Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Enjoy this interview with Infectious Medicine authors Nguyen Tien Huy, MD, PhD and Randa Elsheikh, MD, MSc, discussing their experience of publishing in the open access official journal of Tsinghua University Press.
Can you tell us about your research paper?
Monkeypox: A comprehensive review of a multifaceted virus
Randa Elsheikh, Abdelrahman M. Makram, Tamilarasy Vasanthakumaran, Shubham Tomar, Khizer Shamim, Nguyen Dong Tranh, Sara S. Elsheikh, Nguyen Thanh Van, Nguyen Tien Huy
Our research paper, titled “Monkeypox: A comprehensive review of a multifaceted virus”, provides an in-depth review of the re-emerging zoonotic disease, monkeypox (now known as mpox). We cover its historical epidemics, transmission, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management. The paper highlights the rapid global spread and increase in cases observed since May 2022, which led the WHO to declare mpox a global health emergency. We delve into the virus's virology, including its classification as a double-stranded DNA virus within the Orthopoxvirus genus, its life cycle, replication in host cells, pathogenesis, and viral tropism. A significant part of our paper discusses the genomic mutations and evolution of the virus, particularly noting the 50 mutations observed in the 2022 outbreak strain compared to earlier ones. We also explore the various modes of transmission, including zoonotic, respiratory, sexual, and vertical transmission. Furthermore, we detail the characteristic symptoms, including the rash evolution, and address pediatric cases. Finally, we discuss the diagnostic methods, primarily PCR testing, and available management strategies, encompassing supportive care, antiviral drugs like tecovirimat and brincidofovir, and smallpox vaccines for pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis. We also outline crucial public health measures and infection control protocols for both home and healthcare settings.
What has the reaction been to your article so far and what impact would you like your article to have?
In a world where emerging infectious diseases constitute a daily threat, we believe this article represents a comprehensive reference that can help physicians get more familiar with this complex virus. As such, the response has been very positive, particularly among early-career researchers and global health professionals seeking a structured, up-to-date resource for mpox understanding. We have seen the article cited in multiple academic discussions, and we hope that in the future it will contribute to improving the monkeypox understanding beyond its traditional endemic regions, help inform outbreak response strategies, and encourage equitable attention to infectious disease outbreaks.
Who would you like your article to reach?
We intended this review to be accessible to a broad audience. It is particularly relevant for clinicians, epidemiologists, infectious disease researchers, policymakers, and public health professionals. Additionally, we hope it supports early-career researchers in understanding zoonotic outbreaks in a post-pandemic world. Ultimately, we would like it to reach decision-makers and international health bodies so that they emphasize the value of a “One Health” approach and the importance of constant surveillance in under-resourced regions.
How was your experience of the open-access publishing process with Infectious Medicine? Would you recommend publishing in Infectious Medicine to other researchers?
Publishing with Infectious Medicine was a smooth and supportive experience. The peer-review process was constructive, timely, and focused on improving the clarity and impact of the article. Open access publishing also helped ensure wide dissemination to a broader audience, especially among healthcare practitioners working in underserved regions who might not have access to institutional subscriptions. Based on our experience, we would recommend this journal to fellow researchers working in infectious diseases and global health.
What advice would you give to early-career researchers navigating the publication process?
The first and most important advice to anyone navigating academia is to stay curious and be patient. Publishing is a process of continuous learning that can often be a daunting experience. Start by identifying a research question that is both relevant and personally meaningful, as this will sustain your motivation throughout the process. Surround yourself with mentors and collaborators who are supportive and open to feedback; a strong team dynamic can significantly improve the quality of your work. Moreover, be prepared for revisions; peer review is not a rejection of your efforts, but an opportunity to refine and strengthen your manuscript. Also, invest time in making your article clear, logical, and reader-friendly. Good science deserves good communication. Finally, in case of available resources, consider open-access platforms to ensure your work reaches a broader audience.
