HERPESVIRUS B Meaning and
Definition
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Herpesvirus B, also known as Macacine herpesvirus 1 (MaHV-1) or monkey B virus, is a member of the genus Simplexvirus in the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae, family Herpesviridae. It primarily infects macaque monkeys, particularly rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) and pig-tailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina), but can also infect other Old World monkeys. Herpesvirus B is closely related to herpes simplex viruses that afflict humans.
The virus is primarily transmitted through direct contact with the bodily fluids or tissues of infected monkeys, mainly occurring through bites or scratches. It can also spread through mucous membranes or broken skin. In humans, infection with Herpesvirus B can lead to a severe and potentially fatal disease called B virus encephalomyelitis or B virus disease.
Symptoms of Herpesvirus B infection in humans may include fever, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, and vesicular lesions at the site of exposure. If left untreated, the virus can invade the central nervous system, causing severe neurological symptoms, such as encephalitis, which can be fatal.
Due to the potential for zoonotic transmission and the severe consequences of infection, handling or working with macaques, as well as their bodily fluids and tissues, should be done with utmost caution and appropriate protective measures. Laboratories and facilities that work with macaques often have strict protocols in place to prevent Herpesvirus B transmission to humans.
Prompt medical evaluation and antiviral treatment are crucial if someone is potentially exposed to Herpesvirus B to reduce the risk of severe illness and complications.
Common Misspellings for HERPESVIRUS B
- gerpesvirus b
- berpesvirus b
- nerpesvirus b
- jerpesvirus b
- uerpesvirus b
- yerpesvirus b
- hwrpesvirus b
- hsrpesvirus b
- hdrpesvirus b
- hrrpesvirus b
- h4rpesvirus b
- h3rpesvirus b
- heepesvirus b
- hedpesvirus b
- hefpesvirus b
- hetpesvirus b
- he5pesvirus b
- he4pesvirus b
- heroesvirus b
- herlesvirus b
Etymology of HERPESVIRUS B
The word "Herpesvirus B" has its etymology derived from the scientific classification and naming conventions specific to the field of virology.
Etymologically, "herpes" originates from the Ancient Greek word "herpēs" (ἕρπης), which means "creeping" or "to creep". The term was used in ancient medical literature to describe a group of skin conditions characterized by the appearance of clusters of small blisters.
The word "virus" originates from the Latin word "vīrus", which initially meant "a highly contagious liquid" or "poison". Over time, the term evolved to represent infectious agents that are smaller than bacteria and can cause diseases in plants, animals, and humans.
The letter "B" in "Herpesvirus B" denotes the classification of this particular herpesvirus strain within the herpesvirus family.
