Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: Mpox, a DNA virus, exhibits a unique evolutionary strategy known as the genomic accordion, involving expansions and contractions of its genome.
- Researchers identified 4-kilobase sections of the genome, previously deemed unimportant, as critical for human-to-human transmissibility and evolutionary adaptability.
- Variations in certain genes influence the virus’s evolution, with different clades exhibiting varying levels of virulence.
- Genomic surveillance plays a crucial role in understanding and combating viral outbreaks, allowing for targeted interventions to mitigate health risks and prevent global spread.
