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Road 98 & Hutchison
CNPRC – UC Davis
Davis, CA 95616

530-752-8249

Herpes B Virus (HVP2)

Cercopithecine Herpesvirus (Herpes B, or “B virus”) is highly prevalent in most macaque populations. It can be transmitted through oral or sexual contact. Prevalence of up to 90% has been reported in adult populations. Although a persistent infection, it is characterized by latent periods with occasional viremic periods. While not usually a clinical problem for macaques, the potential for zoonotic transmission causing severe and even fatal infections in humans makes it a significant biohazard concern. The virus can only be propagated under biohazard containment conditions that make it difficult to produce antigen for testing. Fortunately, a number of investigators have documented good cross reactivity between this virus and human and nonhuman primate alphaherpes, which can be used for diagnostic testing. Herpesvirus papio 2 (HVP2) is a herpes virus of baboons which is genetically and antigenically closely related to B Virus.

Antibody screening for Herpes B using is included in our Antibody Screening Panel (AbScn). 2 different purified Herpes Virus Papio type 2 (HVP2) antigens are used as surrogate makers in our MMIA assay. Confirmatory testing is under development. Please contact us for current status.