B virus (Herpesvirus simiae) infection in humans: epidemiologic investigation of a cluster

Article Abstract:

Herpesvirus simiae, or B virus, is closely related to the human herpes simplex viruses and tends to infect Old World monkeys such as macaques. B virus produces symptoms in monkeys that are similar to herpes simplex virus infection in humans. In people, particularly those working in research facilities with these animals, B virus infection causes nerve disease and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Twenty-five cases of B virus infection in humans had been reported up to the year 1987, with the most recent case occurring in 1973. Out of 18 fully reported cases, 13 patients died and three of the five non-fatal cases resulted in nerve-related disorders. Four new cases of infection with B virus occurred in Pensacola, Florida in March 1987. Three of the four persons had worked in a research laboratory and had been bitten or scratched by a laboratory rhesus monkey. The fourth patient was the wife of a patient infected by a monkey; she used a nonprescription skin cream which was used on her husband's lesion and therefore was contaminated with the virus. Two of the four patients died, and the other two became asymptomatic while remaining on oral acyclovir. Further tracing of persons who may have been exposed to the virus led to the identification of 159 persons, including 21 people exposed to the monkeys at the research facility and 138 persons who were in contact with one or more of the patients diagnosed as having B virus infection. However, no additional cases of B virus infection were diagnosed. The source of infection was a clinically ill monkey and one apparently healthy monkey. The factors that increased the risk of viral infection were the failure to use mechanical and chemical methods to restrain the monkeys before handling; not using available protective gear; and infection by applying a contaminated topical medication. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Identification and classification, Herpesviruses, Herpesvirus diseases, Herpesvirus infections, Monkeys as laboratory animals, Laboratory monkeys

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Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus type 2

Article Abstract:

Human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) infection differs significantly from HIV-1 in its means of transmission, its demographic incidence and its clinical course. HIV-2 infection was first identified in West Africa and is most prevalent there, although it appears to be spreading. Like HIV-1, HIV-2 infection can cause AIDS, but genetically, HIV-2 more closely resembles the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) than HIV-1. The close relationship between HIV-2 and SIV and the similar geographic distribution of the viruses further support the theory that HIV may have spread from monkeys to humans. The period between infection with HIV-2 and onset of AIDS appears to be longer for HIV-2 than for HIV-1 infection. HIV-2 in West Africa is spread primarily through sexual contact, and the mother-to-infant rate of transmission is lower for HIV-2 than for HIV-1. In Jun 1992, the US Food and Drug administration ruled that blood banks must screen donated blood for HIV-2.

Demographic aspects, HIV infection, HIV infections, HIV (Viruses), HIV, West Africa, Africa, West

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Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection in humans

Article Abstract:

Infection with Escherichia (E.) coli O157:H7 causes a number of health problems. The bacterium E. coli O157:H7, found mostly in undercooked meat, produces two toxins. Secondary transmission between people is also common in nursing homes or day care centers. Infection often progresses from cramps to bloody diarrhea and can lead to hemolytic-uremic syndrome and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. The risk of death from E. coli O157:H7 infection is especially high among the aged. Diagnosis should involve a stool sample analysis. Treatment is not available other than supportive therapy and the management of complications. Most of the reported cases of E. coli O157:H7 infections have occurred in countries of northern latitudes, such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Prevention of infection and further research is warranted to avoid the consequences of E. coli O157:H7 infection.

Care and treatment, Escherichia coli infections

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