Lessons from the European mpox outbreak: strengthening cohort research for future pandemic preparedness
Clinical Microbiology and Infection·
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.cmi.2025.08.019
- PMID
- 40854466
- PMCID
- —
- OpenAlex
- W4413453065
- Study type
- Cohort study
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Article type
- journal-article
- Integrity
- current
Why this research matters now
The analysis highlights structural deficiencies in current observational research infrastructure that could delay coordinated responses during emerging infectious disease events. Standardizing data collection and maintaining continuous monitoring networks are presented as essential steps for timely public health interventions.
Structured evidence summary
Research question
This scoping review assesses the methodological features and operational characteristics of existing cohort studies investigating mpox to guide future pandemic readiness efforts.
Study design
The authors conducted a scoping review that synthesized data from forty-nine previously established cohort investigations tracking individuals with and without mpox infection.
Population and setting
Analyzed cohorts primarily recruited in European settings, focusing on participants at elevated sexual transmission risk, alongside vaccinated and unvaccinated control groups.
Main findings
Synthesis revealed substantial variation in participant follow-up durations and widespread inconsistencies in data collection frameworks that hindered cross-study analysis. Researchers noted insufficient inclusion of marginalized groups and restricted biological sample storage, prompting calls for pre-established high-risk monitoring networks and unified data standards.
Public-health relevance
The analysis highlights structural deficiencies in current observational research infrastructure that could delay coordinated responses during emerging infectious disease events. Standardizing data collection and maintaining continuous monitoring networks are presented as essential steps for timely public health interventions.
Important limitations
The synthesis acknowledges considerable variability in longitudinal tracking periods and notes that fragmented data collection protocols complicated combined analyses. Additionally, the reviewed literature demonstrated inadequate representation of marginalized demographics and sparse biological specimen repositories.
GIDS interpretation
This publication situates recent observational research within a broader framework for enhancing international collaborative networks and data harmonization strategies. It provides contextual reference points for understanding how structured epidemiological tracking can be optimized for future pathogen monitoring initiatives.
Related GIDS surveillance
Literature context does not validate, explain, or change a surveillance signal. Exact and contextual relationships are shown separately.
Evidence relationships
This article has 10 auditable classifier relationships to diseases, places, topics, and study design.