Herpes B virus ("monkey B virus")

Test codes:

S0078 - Ultrasensitive qualitative detection of herpes B virus by real time polymerase chain reaction

(A0003 - 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.

Although 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.

Utilities:

• Confirm the disease causing agent
• 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

Specimen requirement:
Preferred specimens: Fresh mucosal swab, or 1 ml CSF or tissue, shipped overnight at room temperature.

Less preferred specimen: 1 ml whole blood in EDTA (purple top) or ACD (yellow top) tube, shipped overnight at room temperature.

For specimen types other than those listed here, please call to confirm specimen acceptability and shipping instructions.

For all 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.

Turnaround time: 2 business days

Methodology: Qualitative real time PCR

Normal range: Nondetected