B virus

Macacine alphaherpesvirus 1
B virus spread in murine cells with time at 24 and 48-hours post infection (PI)
Virus classification Edit this classification
(unranked): Virus
Realm: Duplodnaviria
Kingdom: Heunggongvirae
Phylum: Peploviricota
Class: Herviviricetes
Order: Herpesvirales
Family: Orthoherpesviridae
Genus: Simplexvirus
Species:
Macacine alphaherpesvirus 1
Synonyms
  • Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1[1]
  • Herpes virus B[2]
  • Macacine herpesvirus 1[3]

B-virus (Macacine alphaherpesvirus 1; McHV-1; formerly Macacine herpesvirus 1,[3] Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1,[1] CHV-1[4]), Herpesvirus simiae, or Herpes virus B[2] is the Simplexvirus infecting macaque monkeys. B virus is very similar to HSV-1, and as such, this neurotropic virus is not found in the blood.

In the natural host, the virus exhibits pathogenesis similar to that of cold sores in humans. There have been a number of accidental infections and fatalities of researchers working with rhesus monkeys (Rhesus macaque). When humans are zoonotically infected with B virus, they can present with a severe encephalitis, resulting in permanent neurological dysfunction or death. Severity of the disease increases for untreated patients, with a case fatality rate of approximately 80%. Early diagnosis and subsequent treatment are crucial to human survival of the infection.

Personal protective equipment is necessary when working with macaques, especially with animals that have tested positive for the virus. Bites, scratches, and exposures to mucous membranes, including the eye, have led to infection when not cleaned immediately.

  1. ^ a b Davison, Andrew. "TAXONOMIC PROPOSALS FROM THE HERPESVIRIDAE STUDY GROUP" (PDF). International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). p. 3. Retrieved 13 March 2019. 2005.061V.04 To rename Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1 in the genus Simplexvirus of the family Herpesviridae as Macacine herpesvirus 1
  2. ^ a b ICTV 7th Report van Regenmortel, M.H.V., Fauquet, C.M., Bishop, D.H.L., Carstens, E.B., Estes, M.K., Lemon, S.M., Maniloff, J., Mayo, M.A., McGeoch, D.J., Pringle, C.R. and Wickner, R.B. (2000). Virus taxonomy. Seventh report of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. Academic Press, San Diego. p210 https://ictv.global/ictv/proposals/ICTV%207th%20Report.pdf
  3. ^ a b Davison, Andrew (27 January 2016). "Rename species in the family Herpesviridae to incorporate a subfamily designation" (PDF). International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV). Retrieved 13 March 2019.
  4. ^ "B Virus | Home | Herpes B | CDC". 2019-02-04.