Herpesvirus Simiae: B Virus

Herpesvirus Simiae: B Virus

Herpesvirus simiae, recently designated as Cercopithecine her-pesvirus 1, was isolated in 1934 by Sabin and Wright from thebrain of a laboratory staff, who died from ascending myelitis following bite by an apparently healthy monkey. This virus was named as B virus from the initial of the name of this patient. Since then many cases have been reported in the literature.

Herpesvirus simiae is similar to HSV in many properties. These two viruses are antigenically related, though the anti-body against HSV does not protect against herpesvirus simiae infection. Herpesvirus simiae in monkeys usually causes asymptomatic infection. In symptomatic cases, it is associated with formation of vesicles on the buccal mucosa. The lesion ulcerates, shedding the viruses in the ulcer exudate.

The infection in humans is usually acquired by bite of the monkeys. In some cases, it is acquired by handling infected monkey tissues. In humans, the disease is usually fatal. Neurological sequelae are seen in the patients who rarely sur-vive from the condition.