Primate Cercopithecine Herpesvirus (Herpes B Virus) Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1 (CeHV-1), commonly known as Herpes B virus or Monkey B virus, is an alphaherpesvirus endemic to Asian macaques. It is the only nonhuman primate herpesvirus known to be highly pathogenic in humans, with an untreated mortality rate exceeding 70-80%. This zoonotic pathogen represents one of the most feared occupational hazards for laboratory animal personnel, veterinarians, and researchers working with macaques.

In macaques, infection is typically asymptomatic or causes mild disease analogous to herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in humans. However, when transmitted to humans through bites, scratches, or mucosal exposure, the virus can cause fatal encephalomyelitis. Since its first identification in 1932 following the death of researcher William Brebner, approximately 50 human cases have been documented, with 21 fatalities.

Etiology and Classification

Viral Characteristics

B virus belongs to Family Herpesviridae, Subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae, Genus Simplexvirus. The virus has been officially renamed Macacine alphaherpesvirus 1 by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV).