Multiplex PCR to Differentiate Monkeypox Virus Clades

Abstract

We designed a multiplex quantitative PCR to differentiate monkeypox virus clades. For clinical samples collected in the United Kingdom and Nigeria, sensitivity was 78% (95% CI 67.67%–86.14%) and specificity 94% (95% CI 80.84%–99.30%); for samples with cycle thresholds <35, sensitivity was 98% (95% CI 91.72%–99.96%) and specificity 94% (95% CI 80.84%–99.30%).