Recommendations for prevention of and therapy for exposure to B virus (cercopithecine herpesvirus 1)

Clin Infect Dis. 2002 Nov 15;35(10):1191-203. doi: 10.1086/344754. Epub 2002 Oct 17.

Abstract

B virus (Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1) is a zoonotic agent that can cause fatal encephalomyelitis in humans. The virus naturally infects macaque monkeys, resulting in disease that is similar to herpes simplex virus infection in humans. Although B virus infection generally is asymptomatic or mild in macaques, it can be fatal in humans. Previously reported cases of B virus disease in humans usually have been attributed to animal bites, scratches, or percutaneous inoculation with infected materials; however, the first fatal case of B virus infection due to mucosal splash exposure was reported in 1998. This case prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Atlanta, Georgia) to convene a working group in 1999 to reconsider the prior recommendations for prevention and treatment of B virus exposure. The present report updates previous recommendations for the prevention, evaluation, and treatment of B virus infection in humans and considers the role of newer antiviral agents in postexposure prophylaxis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acyclovir / adverse effects
  • Acyclovir / analogs & derivatives*
  • Acyclovir / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / adverse effects
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Chemoprevention / standards
  • Drug Therapy / standards
  • Encephalomyelitis / drug therapy
  • Encephalomyelitis / etiology
  • Encephalomyelitis / prevention & control*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Health Planning Guidelines*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / drug therapy
  • Herpesviridae Infections / physiopathology
  • Herpesviridae Infections / prevention & control*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / transmission
  • Herpesvirus 1, Cercopithecine* / drug effects
  • Herpesvirus 1, Cercopithecine* / immunology
  • Humans
  • Primates / virology
  • Valacyclovir
  • Valine / adverse effects
  • Valine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Valine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Valine
  • Valacyclovir
  • Acyclovir