Genitourinary Lesions Due to Monkeypox

Abstract

Background

Since May 2022, 31 000 cases of monkeypox infection have been reported in nonendemic areas.

Objective

To describe a series of cases of monkeypox with genitourinary involvement.

Design, setting, and participants

This was a prospective observational study of men diagnosed with monkeypox disease with genitourinary involvement.

Results and limitations

A total of 14 patients were recruited. The median age was 42 yr. Of these patients, 43% sought a consultation for genitourinary symptomatology, and 71% had engaged in sex with other men. Eight patients (57%) were positive for human immunodeficiency virus, one diagnosed synchronously; the remainder had a median CD4 count of 663/μl. Six patients (43%) had a different sexually transmitted disease. Penile oedema was present in 43% of patients and two patients required surgical exploration.

Conclusions

Genitourinary involvement is frequent in monkeypox disease and is often the reason for the consultation visit.

Patients summary

In this report we looked at how monkeypox disease can affect the genitourinary area, causing swelling of the penis or skin lesions.