Herpesvirus B Infection

Abstract

Ordinary Herpesvirus B infection in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) and other macaques is typically an inapparent latent infection (Burnett et al. 1939; Palmer 1987; Hartley 1964, 1966). Gross lesions are generally associated with primary infection, but the lesions are only rarely recorded. This suggests that they are small and do not lead to overt signs or are overlooked due to infrequent and inadequate examination. When present, gross lesions resemble those seen in H. simplex infection in humans, (p. 82, this volume), consisting of vesicles which rapidly progress to ulcers (Keeble et al. 1958; Keeble 1960). Lesions are most frequent on the dorsal surface of the tongue and at the mucocutaneous junction of the lips (Fig. 76). Other parts of the oral mucous membranes may also be affected and occasionally the infection occurs as conjunctivitis. Healing without scars is usually complete within 1–2 weeks. Less often, B virus infection causes widespread stomatitis with extension into the pharynx and esophagus. This infection rarely becomes disseminated, which is often fatal. The clinical and gross findings are typically similar in other species of macaques, which include M. fascicularis, M. fuscata, M. arctoides, M. cyclopis, and M. radiata. Disseminated disease and fatalities have been reported most frequently in M. radiata and M. fascicularis (Deniel et al. 1975; Espana 1973; Hartley 1964;).