HIV Patient With a Complicated and Unique Presentation of the Monkeypox Virus

Monkeypox virus presents a concerning challenge, as it is known for its ability to spread through a diverse range of transmission routes, including established pathways like direct contact and shared living spaces, with the spectrum of potential methods appearing to be limitless. This immunocompromised 43-year-old HIV patient presented to the emergency department (ED) in the United States with shortness of breath, cough, and painful lesions for several months. Numerous consults and a full panel of testing revealed an odd case of the monkeypox virus that strayed away from the predefined classifications for the disease. The case sheds light on the need for further research in immunocompromised patient populations as their presentations may be different from what research currently suggests.