Total body photography for standardised documentation of mpox skin lesions in remote study sites in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Authors

Inga Saknite, Patrick Mutombo Lupola, Andrew J McNeil, Sylva Kasereka Sivasingana, Jean Marc Tshilombo Mwindila, Elie Malamba Lohalo, Olga Divine Tshi-Manina, Fiston Lodi Ndjovu, Celestin Tshimanga, Baudouin Matiba Ngalumono, Marcel Alonga Etshindo, Roger Djese Logombe, Glody Diphanga Mbambi, Gael Nzengu Mukanya, Gael-Aubert Mukendi, Francis Amani Songa, Odette Kasangi Kitenge, Michel Ndjekembo Djamba, Josue Mayaka Oyeka, Hyppie Lonza Lotepa, Sandrine Ibemba Alanda, Charles Lukala Ngereza, Michel Okamba Denga, Clementine Ndeke Ndongo, Edwige Margot Makuenda, Jean Oleko Yemba, Dalton Takoy Ndjeka, Jean Luhata Mukindji, Michael Kombozi Basika, Joseph Bitilembo Bitilembo, Aisha Aridja Kayembe, Mara Mara Kisaka, Glodie Chikesa Vangu, Gaby Kayembe Mpinga, Ali Dilu Phanzu, Bruce Nganga Mbutu, Rosine Ali Ekangu, Antoine Oloma Tshomba, Tyra Silaphet, Rachel Weiss, Bohan Jiang, Aimé Zonveni Be Lombe, Edward W Cowen, Ian Crozier, Benoit M Dawant, Lori E Dodd, Richard Davey, H Clifford Lane, Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum, Jean-Luc Biampata Mutumukole, Veronique Nussenblatt, Olivier Tshiani Mbaya, Placide Mbala Kingebeni, Eric R Tkaczyk

Published in

BMJ global health. Volume 11. Issue 7. Jul 30, 2026. Epub Jul 30, 2026.

Abstract

We designed and successfully implemented photography protocols for the PALM007 (Pamoja Tulinde Maisha - Together Save Lives in Swahili) randomised clinical trial evaluating tecovirimat for the treatment of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). We addressed the unique challenges and limitations of conducting standardised photography procedures on patients with mpox in high-risk 'red zones' in remote study treatment centre sites. Key considerations included standardised photography protocols, training, quality assurance, participant privacy and comfort, and interpersonal communication. Our developed procedures enabled acquisition of 61 926 standardised, clinical-quality photographs of 597 patients with mpox. These considerations may guide future studies collecting standardised photographs in a low-resource setting.

PMID:
42532635
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 31 Jul 2026.

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