On 14 August, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This marks the second such declaration for mpox in two years. A PHEIC represents the highest level of alarm under international health regulations. WHO warned that the outbreak has the potential to spread further across Africa and to other continents.
According to a report from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), from the beginning of this year to 28 July, reported mpox cases in Africa surged by 160% compared with the same period last year1. New cases have also recently been reported in countries including Sweden2 and Thailand3.
In response to this rapidly escalating wave of mpox infections, MGI has developed a comprehensive sequencing product portfolio for pathogenic microorganisms, covering the full workflow from sample to report. This enables rapid and accurate identification and tracking of emerging and unknown pathogens, making it a critical tool in outbreak control.
MGI’s solutions have played a key role in mpox surveillance, supporting multiple national and local public health institutions, including the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CCDC) and regional CDCs. From China’s first mainland case to the initial case detected in Shenzhen, MGI’s expertise has helped authorities respond swiftly and effectively to contain outbreaks.
The current rise in cases is linked to a novel strain of the virus. The mpox virus (MPXV) is divided into two clades: clade I and clade II. The global outbreak in 2022 was driven by clade II, while the newly identified clade Ib has been spreading across parts of Africa in recent months.
According to Michael Marks, Professor of Medicine at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, previous studies indicate that clade I is associated with a higher mortality rate, ranging from 1–10%, compared with clade II, which typically remains below 1%4.
MGI’s sequencing product portfolio for pathogenic microorganisms, developed with proprietary reagents, instruments, and software, comprises two core solutions: targeted sequencing and metagenomic sequencing. These products are being rapidly upgraded to improve the identification and monitoring of emerging mpox virus strains. The portfolio is compatible with sequencing instruments including the DNBSEQ-G99, DNBSEQ-E25, DNBSEQ-G50, and DNBSEQ-G400, and features automated library preparation and data analysis. MGI’s proprietary DNBSEQ technology ensures high-quality sequencing data, which is essential for the accurate detection and traceability of the mpox virus.
1. Mpox (MPXV) Targeted Sequencing Solution
MGI’s targeted sequencing solution for pathogenic microorganisms is based on ATOPlex multiplex PCR technology. It includes an mpox virus amplicon sequencing panel that covers the full-length viral genome, enabling rapid identification and traceability, and can also provide relative quantification of the virus. The MPXV analysis software supports virus identification, mutation detection, and strain typing, allowing for fast and precise analysis of sequencing data.
2. Metagenomic Sequencing Solution
MGI’s metagenomic sequencing portfolio for pathogenic microorganisms utilises the MGIEasy Fast FS DNA Library Prep Set for library preparation. High-throughput sequencing enables the identification and tracing of unknown pathogens in samples. The PFI analysis software allows rapid detection of unknown pathogens, while the MPXV analysis software supports mpox genome assembly and other virus-specific analyses.
In September 2022, MGI collaborated with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CCDC) to complete whole-genome sequencing of the virus in China’s first mpox case in Chongqing using the DNBSEQ-G99. This work supported the CDC system with emergency tracing and provided scientific evidence to inform the rapid development of epidemic prevention strategies.
In September 2023, MGI partnered with the Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention to obtain a highly reliable full-length viral sequence in a short timeframe using the targeted sequencing solution, completing the tracing of the mpox virus in Shenzhen’s first case.
MGI’s platforms have developed extensive expertise in pathogenic microorganisms, supporting global research institutions, CDCs, and other organisations in the discovery, sequencing, and tracing of pathogens including mpox, tuberculosis, psittacosis, COVID-19, and influenza. With a robust global network and reliable supply chain, MGI is well-positioned to provide rapid support for infectious disease control worldwide.
As of 31 December 2023, MGI operates across six continents and more than 100 countries and regions, with research and production bases, training centres, and after-sales service centres strategically located worldwide. Since 2019, MGI’s gene sequencing equipment has played a key role in establishing Africa’s first high-throughput genome sequencing centre, consistently enhancing sequencing capabilities across the continent. This has strengthened epidemic control and rapid response to major public health events. MGI’s technology and equipment are also applied in Africa in areas such as agricultural genomics and precision oncology, providing valuable tools to advance public health and genetic technology for local populations.
Guided by the vision of “Leading Life Science Innovation”, MGI remains committed to supporting whole-genome sequencing, targeted sequencing, and metagenomic sequencing in infectious disease control, offering automated, convenient, and efficient tools for the monitoring and early warning of pathogenic microorganisms.
For more information on MGI’s dedicated mpox solutions, visit: MGI Mpox Solutions
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