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B virus

Macacine alphaherpesvirus 1
B virus spread in murine cells with time at 24 and 48-hours post infection (PI)
Virus 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.

History

Rhesus monkeys are a natural host of B virus and have on occasion caused fatal infections in researchers

Macacine alphaherpesvirus 1 was first identified in 1932 following the death of William Brebner, a young physician who was bitten by a rhesus monkey while doing research on polio.[5] He had healed from the bite but later developed a febrile illness,[6] resulting in localized erythema, lymphangitis, lymphadenitis and, ultimately, transverse myelitis. Neurologic tissues obtained during autopsy revealed the presence of an ultrafilterable agent that appeared similar to HSV-1.[7] This isolate was originally termed "W virus."[5]

Within a year of Brebner's death, Albert Sabin identified a novel virus from the same samples,[8] which he later named B virus.[9] Sabin further described the lethality of Macacine alphaherpesvirus 1 by showing that infectivity was independent of the route of inoculation.[8] Additionally, it was observed that Macacine alphaherpesvirus 1 induced immunologic responses similar to HSV-1[10] and shared similarities to HVP-2 and Langur herpesvirus, two other nonhuman primate alphaherpesviruses.[10][11][12][13][14][15]

By 1959, Macacine alphaherpesvirus 1 was identified as the causative agent in 17 human cases, 12 of which resulted in death.[16][17][18] Approximately 50 cases had been identified by 2002, although only 26 were well documented. Improvements in handling human cases have been made in the past several decades. Between 1987 and 2004, the mortality rate decreased, largely due to the addition of new forms of treatment and improved diagnosis. There have been a total of five fatalities related to Macacine alphaherpesvirus 1 in this period.[19]

In 1997 researcher Elizabeth Griffin was splashed in the eye by an infected rhesus monkey while working at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center and she subsequently died.[20][21] In 2019, a researcher working with monkeys at a Japanese pharmaceutical company became infected and critically ill.[22] In 2021, a veterinarian in China became infected while performing two dissections on rhesus monkeys and subsequently died.[23]

Virology

Structure

Macacine alphaherpesvirus 1 is approximately 200 nm in diameter and has a structure almost identical to that of HSV1 and HSV2. It has an icosahedral capsid (T=16) consisting of 150 hexons and 12 pentons formed from 6 proteins. The envelope is loose around the viral capsid and contains at least 10 glycoproteins critical for adsorption and penetration into host cells. The tegument, containing at least 14 proteins, lies between the capsid and the envelope. The tegument proteins are involved in nucleic acid metabolism, DNA synthesis, and protein processing. The proteins in the tegument are thymidine kinase, thymidylate synthetase, dUTPase, ribonucleotide reductase, DNA polymerase, DNA helicase, DNA primase, and protein kinases.[24][25]

Genome

The B virus genome was fully sequenced in 2003 from an isolate found in a rhesus macaque.[26] Like all herpes viruses, the B virus genome contains double-stranded DNA and is approximately 157 kbp in length. Two unique regions (UL and US) are flanked by a pair of inverted repeats, two of which are found at the termini, with the other two internally located. This arrangement, which is identical in nature to HSV, results in four sequence-oriented isomers. Cytosine and guanine nucleotides represent 75% of the sequence.

Sequence analyses suggest that B virus and HSV types 1 and 2 most likely diverged from a common ancestor during the evolution of these pathogens. Each gene-encoded glycoprotein, including gB, gC, gD, gE and gG, has approximately 50% homology with HSV, with a slightly higher predilection towards HSV-2 over HSV-1.[26] Additionally, glycoprotein sequences have demonstrated that all cysteine residues are conserved, as are most glycosylation sites. One key difference between the B virus and the HSVs is that B virus does not have a homolog of the HSV γ134.5 gene, which codes for a neurovirulence factor.[26] This indicates that B virus has different mechanisms from HSV for replicating inside nerve cells, which could explain the drastically different effects of these viruses on humans.

Infection

In the natural host, the virus exhibits pathogenesis similar to that of cold sores in humans.[27]

Humans

B virus infection of humans is extremely rare. People typically get infected with B virus if they are bitten or scratched by an infected macaque monkey, or have contact with the monkey's eyes, nose, or mouth. Only one case has been documented of an infected person spreading B virus to another person.[28] Traveling to an area where macaques are known carriers of the virus and interacting in close contact in areas such as temples poses a risk of exposure. However, even in endemic areas, human cases are rare. There have been no known cases of Macacine alphaherpesvirus 1 in travelers.[19]

When humans are zoonotically infected with B virus, they can develop encephalitis, resulting in permanent neurological dysfunction or death. The severity of the disease increases for untreated patients. As of 2014, there was a case fatality rate of approximately 80%.[27]

As of 2020, there have been 50 documented cases of human B virus infection since the identification of the virus in 1932, 21 of which led to death.[29] At least 20 of the patients developed some degree of encephalitis.[30][31]

B virus is the only identified old-world-monkey herpesvirus that displays severe pathogenicity in humans.[citation needed]

Prevention

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.[32][23][22][21]

Treatment

Early diagnosis and subsequent treatment are crucial to human survival of the infection. Upon potential infection, samples from both the human and, when possible, the macaque should be sent for B virus diagnostic testing.[33]

Acyclovir has prevented progression of the disease in some patients and may be lifesaving, though it is thought to be only one-tenth as effective against B virus as against HSV1.[34] Prompt treatment is essential to prevent permanent neurological impairment.[35]

References

  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.
  5. ^ a b Pimentel, Jason D. (2008-03-11). "Herpes B virus — "B" is for Brebner: Dr. William Bartlet Brebner (1903–1932)". CMAJ: Canadian Medical Association Journal. 178 (6): 734. doi:10.1503/cmaj.071098. PMC 2263097.
  6. ^ Hilliard, Julia (2007). Arvin, Ann; Campadelli-Fiume, Gabriella; Mocarski, Edward; Moore, Patrick S. (eds.). Monkey B virus. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-82714-0. PMID 21348110. NBK47426. Retrieved 2021-02-05. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  7. ^ Gay PP, Holden M (1933). "Isolation of herpesvirus from several cases of epidemic encephalitis". Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 30 (8): 1051–3. doi:10.3181/00379727-30-6788. S2CID 88005854.
  8. ^ a b Sabin AB, Wright WM (1934). "Acute ascending myelitis following a monkey bite, with the isolation of a virus capable of reproducing the disease". J Exp Med. 59 (2): 115–36. doi:10.1084/jem.59.2.115. PMC 2132353. PMID 19870235.
  9. ^ Norris, Melissa Cox (2012-09-07). "The Albert B. Sabin Digitization Project: The Case of William Brebner | LiBlog". Retrieved 2021-08-01.
  10. ^ a b Sabin AB (1934). "Studies on the B virus I: The immunological identity of a virus isolated from a human case of ascending myelitis associated with visceral necrosis". Br J Exp Pathol. 15 (15): 248–68. PMC 2065030.
  11. ^ Eberle R, Hilliard J (1995). "The simian herpesviruses". Infectious Agents and Disease. 4 (2): 55–70. PMID 7613729.
  12. ^ Sabin AB (1934). "Studies on the B virus II: Properties of the virus and pathogenesis of the experimental disease in rabbits". Br J Exp Pathol. 15 (15): 269–79. PMC 2065027.
  13. ^ Sabin AB (1934). "Studies on the B virus III: The experimental disease in macacus rhesus monkeys". Br J Exp Pathol. 15 (15): 321–34. PMC 2065017.
  14. ^ Burnet FM, Lush D, Jackson AV (1939). "The properties of herps B and pseudorabies viruses on the choriollantois". Aust J Exp Biol Med Sci. 17 (17): 35–52. doi:10.1038/icb.1939.4.
  15. ^ Burnet FM, Lush D, Jackson AV (1939). "The relationship of herpse and B viruses: immunological and epidemiological considerations". Aust J Exp Biol Med Sci. 17 (17): 41–51. doi:10.1038/icb.1939.5.
  16. ^ Breen GE, Lamb SG, Otaki AT (1958). "Monkey bite encephalomyelitis: report of a case with recovery". Br Med J. 2 (5087): 22–3. doi:10.1136/bmj.2.5087.22. PMC 2025841. PMID 13546633.
  17. ^ Hummeler K, Davidson WL, Henle W, et al. (1959). "Encephalomyelitis due to infection with herpesvirus simiae (herpes B virus): a report of two fatal, laboratory acquired cases". New England Journal of Medicine. 261 (2): 64–8. doi:10.1056/NEJM195907092610203. PMID 13666979.
  18. ^ Pierce EC, Pierce JD, Hull RN (1958). "B virus: its current significance, description and diagnosis of a fatal human infection". Am J Hyg. 68 (68): 242–50. PMID 13594926.
  19. ^ a b "2018 Yellow Book Home | Travelers' Health | CDC".
  20. ^ "Welcome ergriffinresearch.org - BlueHost.com". www.ergriffinresearch.org. Archived from the original on 1 November 2012. Retrieved 13 March 2019.
  21. ^ a b Bragg, Rick (December 14, 1997). "A Drop of Virus From a Monkey Kills a Researcher in 6 Weeks". The New York Times.
  22. ^ a b "Japan's first human infection with B virus | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News". NHK WORLD. Archived from the original on 2019-11-29. Retrieved 2019-11-30.
  23. ^ a b "China reports first human death from Monkey B Virus. All you need to know". Hindustan Times. 2021-07-18. Retrieved 2021-07-20.
  24. ^ Knipe, D.M.; Howley, P.M. (2013). Fields virology (6th ed.). Wolters Kluwer Health. ISBN 9781469830667.
  25. ^ Acheson, N.H. (2011). Fundamentals of molecular virology (2nd ed.). Wiley. ISBN 9780470900598.
  26. ^ a b c Perelygina L, Zhu L, Zurkuhlen H, et al. (2003). "Complete sequence and comparative analysis of the genome of herpes b virus (Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1) from a rhesus monkey". Journal of Virology. 77 (11): 6167–77. doi:10.1128/JVI.77.11.6167-6177.2003. PMC 155011. PMID 12743273.
  27. ^ a b Liu, D. (2014). "4. Cercopithecine herpesvirus1 (B Virus)". Manual of Security Sensitive Microbes and Toxins. Taylor & Francis. pp. 31–36. ISBN 9781466553965.
  28. ^ "Herpes B Virus". www.cdc.gov. 2021-03-18. Retrieved 2021-07-19.
  29. ^ "B Virus | Cause and Incidence". CDC. January 28, 2019. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
  30. ^ "Division of Comparative Medicine (DCM) | Research | Washington University in St. Louis". Research. Archived from the original on January 6, 2008.
  31. ^ Weigler BJ (1992). "Biology of B virus in macaque and human hosts: a review". Clinical Infectious Diseases. 14 (2): 555–67. doi:10.1093/clinids/14.2.555. PMID 1313312.
  32. ^ Cohen, Jeffrey I.; Davenport, David S.; Stewart, John A.; Deitchman, Scott; Hilliard, Julia K.; Chapman, Louisa E. (2002-11-15). "Recommendations for Prevention of and Therapy for Exposure to B Virus (Cercopithecine Herpesvirus1)". Clinical Infectious Diseases. 35 (10): 1191–1203. doi:10.1086/344754. ISSN 1058-4838. PMID 12410479.
  33. ^ "B Virus | Specimen Collection and B virus Detection". CDC. July 18, 2014. Retrieved October 6, 2014.
  34. ^ Elmore D, Eberle R (2008). "Monkey B virus (Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1)". Comp Med. 58 (1): 11–21. PMC 2703160. PMID 19793452.
  35. ^ Ostrowski Stephanie R, et al. (January–March 1998). "B-virus from Pet Macaque Monkeys: An Emerging Threat in the United States?". Emerging Infectious Diseases. 4 (1): 117–121. doi:10.3201/eid0401.980117. PMC 2627675. PMID 9452406.

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