Severe Necrotic and Fatal Monkeypox in HIV-infected Patients

Monkeypox (Mpox) caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV) is an infection that is often transmitted via close contact between humans or acquired from animals. With an increased risk among individuals with high-risk sexual behaviours, it is gradually being identified as a co-infection with sexually transmitted infections (STI) including HIV leading to weakened immune response and poorer clinical outcomes. However, studies exploring the pathophysiology of the confection as well as the clinical presentation and management are limited. This case report discusses the presentation of a Nigerian male patient who initially presented with cutaneous lesions diagnosed to be due to Mpox infection. On further investigation, he was also found to have an underlying HIV infection leading to severity of the clinical progression ultimately leading to death despite treatment, thus explaining the significant impact of HIV on the prognosis and outcome of Mpox infection.