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Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes: A Functional Genomics Tool for the Study of Positive-strand RNA Viruses
Published on: December 29, 2015
Abstract:
B virus is a herpes virus that natutaly infects macaque monkeys. It is extremely neuropathogenic when infection occurs in humans. B virus infection has been reported only in laboratory workers and breeders of macaque monkeys in North America and the United Kingdom, and it is therefore recognized as a rare infectious disease. The first cases of B virus disease were reported in Japan in 2019 and in China in 2021, although no cases had been reported since 1997. Although B virus disease has not been reported for more than 20 years, the potential threat has always existed. The viral factors responsible for the strong neuropathogenicity of B virus to humans has not been identified. There are no reports of infection by contact with wild macaque monkeys, but the possibility can not been ruled out. In this paper, we describe its virological properties, findings from B virus disease from patient-reported cases, and the genotype of B virus.
Insights
B virus (herpesvirus simiae) is a rare but severe neuropathogenic infection primarily found in macaque monkeys. This summary details its virology, human cases, and genotypes, highlighting the ongoing risk.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Primate Health
Context:
- B virus (herpesvirus simiae) naturally infects macaque monkeys.
- Human infections are rare, historically documented in laboratory workers and breeders in North America and the UK.
- Recent cases in Japan (2019) and China (2021) mark the first reports since 1997.
Purpose:
- To describe the virological properties of B virus.
- To present findings from documented human B virus disease cases.
- To analyze the genotype of the B virus strains.
Summary:
- B virus exhibits extreme neuropathogenicity in humans.
- Viral factors contributing to human neuropathogenicity remain unidentified.
- While contact with wild macaques is not reported, the possibility of infection cannot be excluded.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of B virus, crucial for risk assessment in primate handlers.
- Enhances understanding of a rare but potentially devastating zoonotic disease.
- Informs public health strategies for preventing and managing B virus infections.
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