Histological Changes in Normal Human Skin: A Biological Marker in the Pathogenesis of Mpox and its Significance in Emerging Health Events

The body's largest organ, the skin, is also an efficient protective barrier. It consists of the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. However, it is also a gateway for infections that cause localized degeneration in its components. Knowledge of standard histological patterns is relevant for understanding the changes observed due to the action of emerging infectious agents, such as monkeypox (Mpox), (WHO, 2024). This study aimed to compare the histological changes between normal skin and those reported in the literature in skin infected with Mpox, thus designing better preventive policies for life and public health. Biopsies of normal human skin obtained from teaching material at the Universidad de Chile were subjected to routine histological techniques.The results show a typical epidermal structure with stratified squamous epithelium, a dermis consisting of dense irregular connective tissue and keratinocytes, and a hypodermis with abundant adipose tissue and blood vessels, with tactile corpuscles observed in the dermal papillae. Nevertheless, in infectious pathologies, the best protection method is to pay attention to personal hygiene, avoid touching used objects, and avoid animal waste.