Herpes B virus infection

Herpes B virus infection in humans is rare, but often fatal; therefore, prompt management of likely exposure is critical to preventing disease progression.

Should be suspected when illness follows exposure to macaque monkeys or their body fluids or tissues. Immediate thorough cleansing of the exposed area combined with antiviral prophylaxis may prevent infection.

Untreated infection often leads to central nervous system disease and death, with a mortality rate of approximately 80%. Early and aggressive antiviral treatment may prevent death.

Herpes B virus infection in humans is caused by the zoonotic Macacine herpesvirus 1 (MHV-1), previously known as Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1 (CHV-1). It is mainly found in macaque monkeys and they appear to be its natural host.[1]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health. Biosafety in microbiological and biomedical laboratories 6th edition. Jun 2020 [internet publication]. https://www.cdc.gov/labs/BMBL.html Of all the herpes simplex viruses identified in non-human primates, only B virus is known to be pathogenic for humans.[2]Huff JL, Barry PA. B-virus (Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1) infection in humans and macaques: potential for zoonotic disease. Emerg Infect Dis. 2003 Feb;9(2):246-50. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/9/2/02-0272_article http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12603998?tool=bestpractice.com

Infection in humans is usually caused by the bite or scratch from an infected animal, a percutaneous injury contaminated by macaque body fluids, or from mucosal or non-intact skin contact with infected body fluid or tissue (e.g., in a laboratory or animal handling facility).[3]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. B virus (herpes B, monkey B virus, herpesvirus simiae, and herpesvirus B). Jan 2019 [internet publication]. https://www.cdc.gov/herpesbvirus/index.html

Infection in humans is rare, but when it does occur it often presents with flu-like symptoms (fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and headache). Neurological symptoms usually develop, which result in fatal encephalomyelitis or severe neurological impairment if not treated early.[2]Huff JL, Barry PA. B-virus (Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1) infection in humans and macaques: potential for zoonotic disease. Emerg Infect Dis. 2003 Feb;9(2):246-50. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/9/2/02-0272_article http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12603998?tool=bestpractice.com [3]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. B virus (herpes B, monkey B virus, herpesvirus simiae, and herpesvirus B). Jan 2019 [internet publication]. https://www.cdc.gov/herpesbvirus/index.html