HERPES-B VIRUS-INFECTION

Herpes B virus (B virus) infection is common in macaques. Primary infe ction of B virus in primates is similar to herpes simplex virus 1 infe ction in human beings, but B virus generally produces only mild locali zed lesions in its natural host. In human beings, however, B virus can cause severe infection that may lead to death from encephalitis. Cont act with monkey salival tissues, or tissue fluids is the most commonly reported route of transmission of B virus; a single case of person-to -person transmission has been reported. Airborne transmission is postu lated to have occurred as a result of clinical circumstances in two re ported cases, but there is no strong evidence to support the hypothesi s of aerosol infection. Because B virus infection in human beings is o ften fatal, awareness of the risk of B virus infection should be empha sized. Although B virus infection in human beings is rare, it is an oc cupational health risk in exposed health care workers and laboratory p ersonnel. This review of the literature of B virus infection includes case reports and a discussion of the nature of the B virus, characteri stics of B virus infection in primates and human beings, the treatment of human infection, and the implications for dental health care provi ders. This report also serves as an introduction of the disease to the dental literature.