A new study led by Nigeria’s Institute of Human Virology, with help from the University of Cambridge, was published in Nature Communications. Researchers analysed archived blood samples from 176 healthy adults who had joined SARS-CoV-2 vaccine studies.
The samples came from healthcare workers in 2021 and community volunteers in 2023. None of the participants had received mpox or smallpox vaccination in adulthood and none were known to have been exposed to mpox. The team found that 14 per cent had antibodies linked to historic smallpox vaccination, mostly people born before 1980.
When researchers collected follow-up samples, usually after around nine months, about 3 per cent showed a new immune response consistent with recent mpox exposure despite no symptoms. The study says genetic data and antibody testing could help find hidden transmission and guide vaccination.
Difficult words
- archive — stored and kept for later usearchived
- antibody — a protein made by the immune systemantibodies
- follow-up — a later check or extra test after first
- exposure — contact with a disease or infection
- transmission — the process of passing a disease between people
- genetic — related to genes or DNA in a person
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you want a follow-up test after a vaccine? Why or why not?
- How would you feel if a test showed you had antibodies but no symptoms?
- Do you think genetic data can help find hidden disease transmission? Why or why not?
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