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Human exposure to herpesvirus B-seropositive macaques, Bali, Indonesia
Gregory A Engel1, Lisa Jones-Engel, Michael A Schillaci
1University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. ga_engel@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Herpesvirus B (Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1) has been implicated as the cause of approximately 40 cases of meningoencephalitis affecting persons in direct or indirect contact with laboratory macaques. However, the threat of herpesvirus B in nonlaboratory settings worldwide remains to be addressed. We investigated the potential for exposure to herpesvirus B in workers at a "monkey forest" (a temple that has become a tourist attraction because of its monkeys) in Bali, Indonesia. In July 2000, 105 workers at the Sangeh Monkey Forest in Central Bali were surveyed about contact with macaques (Macaca fascicularis). Nearly half of those interviewed had either been bitten or scratched by a macaque. Prevalence of injury was higher in those who fed macaques. Serum from 31 of 38 Sangeh macaques contained antibodies to herpesvirus B. We conclude that workers coming into contact with macaques at the Sangeh Monkey Forest are at risk for exposure to herpesvirus B.
Insights
Workers at a Balinese "monkey forest" face risk from Herpesvirus B (Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1). Many macaques carry the virus, and nearly half of surveyed workers reported bites or scratches, highlighting potential exposure risks.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Public Health
- Primate Virology
Background:
- Herpesvirus B (Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1) is a known cause of severe neurological disease in humans exposed to macaques.
- The risk of Herpesvirus B exposure in non-laboratory settings, such as tourist attractions with macaques, is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the potential for Herpesvirus B exposure among workers at the Sangeh Monkey Forest in Bali, Indonesia.
- To evaluate the prevalence of macaque bites and scratches and serological evidence of Herpesvirus B infection in the macaque population.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 105 workers at the Sangeh Monkey Forest regarding macaque contact, including bites and scratches.
- Serological testing of 38 macaques (Macaca fascicularis) for antibodies to Herpesvirus B.
Main Results:
- Nearly 50% of surveyed workers reported being bitten or scratched by macaques.
- Macaque bite and scratch prevalence was higher among workers who fed the animals.
- Antibodies to Herpesvirus B were detected in the serum of 31 out of 38 macaques.
Conclusions:
- Workers at the Sangeh Monkey Forest are at significant risk of exposure to Herpesvirus B due to macaque contact.
- The findings underscore the need for risk mitigation strategies in environments where humans and macaques interact outside of laboratory settings.