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Herpes B virus and the neglected risk of zoonotic spillover

Yujin Kim1, Ji Min Lee2, Jung Joo Hong1,3

  • 1National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk 28116, Republic of Korea.

One Health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|June 17, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

B virus (Simplexvirus macacine alpha 1) poses a significant zoonotic risk, especially with increasing wild macaque trade. Enhanced international biosafety regulations are crucial to mitigate this threat.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Virology
  • Zoonotic Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Simplexvirus macacine alpha 1 (B virus) is a macaque-associated alphaherpesvirus.
  • It can cause severe, often fatal, encephalitis in humans.
  • Understanding its zoonotic potential is critical for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the zoonotic risk of B virus.
  • To assess cross-border risks associated with international macaque trade.
  • To compare international quarantine regulations.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of human B virus infections (1932-2024).
  • Analysis of international macaque trade data (CITES, 2019-2022).
  • Comparative analysis of national quarantine regulations, using South Korea as a case study.

Main Results:

  • 33 human B virus infections documented, primarily occupational, but non-occupational risks and late reactivation identified.
  • Over 170,000 live macaques traded internationally (2019-2022), with a rising proportion of wild-caught animals.
  • Significant variation in quarantine regulations and biosafety oversight across countries.

Conclusions:

  • B virus represents a severe, underappreciated zoonotic threat.
  • Increasing wild macaque trade and inadequate quarantine protocols heighten risk.
  • Strengthened international coordination and standardized biosafety regulations within a One Health framework are essential.
Keywords:
EncephalitisHuman infectionMacaqueOccupational exposureSimplexvirus macacine alpha 1 (B virus)Zoonotic pathogen

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