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.