Serologic evidence of mpox virus exposure among people living with human immunodeficiency virus in Thailand predating clinical recognition during the 2022 outbreak

Abstract

Highlights • Mpox seroprevalence was 5.5% in a high-risk cohort of people living with human immunodeficiency virus in Bangkok during 2022.• Seropositivity was detected as early as January 2022, predating clinical reports.• Findings suggest unrecognized transmission occurred months before the official outbreak.• Illicit drug use and having multiple behavioral risk criteria were significantly associated with orthopoxvirus seropositivity.• Serosurveillance in existing cohorts is a vital tool for emerging disease detection.