Herpes B virus ("monkey B virus") by PCR
- Ultrasensitive qualitative detection of herpes B virus by real
time polymerase chain reaction
- ELISA detection of antibodies to herpes B virus in macaques)
Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1 (herpesvirus simiae, herpes B or
monkey B virus) is a member of the alphaherpesvirus subfamily
and is a common pathogen in macaques. While macaques infected
with this virus are usually asymptomatic, zoonosis caused by the
virus in human is one of the most deadly acquired infections.
Rapid and accurate diagnosis of this virus in macaques can
significantly reduce the risk of personnel exposure and prevent
spread of the virus through a colony.
virus isolation can be used to diagnose B virus infection, a
long incubation period is required to obtain results. Viral
culture also increases the potential risk of laboratory
personnel contacting this level 4 virus. Furthermore, viral
culture is less sensitive, reliable and specific than polymerase
chain reaction (PCR)-based techniques. False negative and false
positive results occur frequently in serologic tests for B
virus, and serially collected serological data are often needed
to confirm an animal's disease status.
PCR is a
rapid, sensitive and specific method for detection of B virus in
a sample. The method can differentiate the virus from other
closely related primate alphaherpesviruses such as simian agent
8 and herpesvirus papio 2. However, it is important to note that
a negative PCR test does not rule out the presence of Herpes B
virus, as viremia is intermittent.
Help confirm the disease causing agent
Help ensure that animal colonies are free of Herpes B virus
Early prevention of spread of this virus among a colony
Minimize personnel exposure to this virus
Safety monitoring of biological products and vaccines
that derive from monkeys
- Mucosal swab,
or 0.2 ml CSF, or 0.2 ml fresh, frozen or fixed CNS tissue.
preferred sample -
0.2 ml whole
blood in EDTA (purple top) or ACD (yellow top) tube.
types other than those listed here, please call to confirm
specimen acceptability and shipping instructions.
specimen types, if there will be a delay in shipping, or during
very warm weather, refrigerate specimens until shipped and ship
with a cold pack unless more stringent shipping requirements are
specified. Frozen specimens should be shipped so as to remain
frozen in transit. See shipping
instructions for more information.
2 business days
real time PCR