According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) monkey B virus (MKBV) is a non-human primate lentivirus (a type of retrovirus) that can cause life-threatening illness in humans. It is closely related to simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) the virus that causes AIDS in humans.
MKBV was first identified in 1966 in a colony of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) in Washington D.C. USA. The virus was initially called “Macacine herpesvirus 1” (MHV-1) because it was thought to cause a herpesvirus-like illness in these monkeys. However further studies showed that MHV-1 is a lentivirus and it was renamed “monkey B virus” in 1971.
Since its discovery MBV has been identified in non-human primates in Africa Asia Europe and the Americas. The virus is thought to be transmitted through contact with infected blood or body fluids and it can cause a variety of illnesses in humans including meningitis encephalitis and neurological disease.
There is no specific treatment for MBV infection and the virus can be fatal in humans. There is currently no vaccine available to prevent MBV infection.
The best way to prevent MBV infection is to avoid contact with non-human primates and their body fluids. If you must work with non-human primates you should wear protective clothing such as gloves gowns and masks and follow strict hygiene and animal-handling procedures.
What is Monkey B virus?
Monkey B virus is a single stranded RNA virus that is a member of the Arenaviridae family.
What is the genome of Monkey B virus?
The genome of Monkey B virus is negative sense and is approximately 10kb in length.
What is the natural host of Monkey B virus?
The natural host of Monkey B virus is rodents.
Where is Monkey B virus found?
Monkey B virus is found in Africa and Asia.
How is Monkey B virus transmitted?
Monkey B virus is transmitted via contact with infected rodents or their excretions.
What is the incubation period for Monkey B virus?
The incubation period for Monkey B virus is 5-14 days.
What are the symptoms of Monkey B virus?
The symptoms of Monkey B virus include fever headache vomiting and muscle aches.
How is Monkey B virus diagnosed?
Monkey B virus is diagnosed via PCR or ELISA.
Is there a treatment for Monkey B virus?
There is no specific treatment for Monkey B virus and patients typically receive supportive care.
Is Monkey B virus fatal?
In some cases Monkey B virus can be fatal.
What is the mortality rate for Monkey B virus?
The mortality rate for Monkey B virus is 1-5%.
How can Monkey B virus be prevented?
Monkey B virus can be prevented by avoiding contact with infected rodents or their excretions.
What is the natural history of Monkey B virus?
The natural history of Monkey B virus is not well understood.
What is the evolutionary history of Monkey B virus?
The evolutionary history of Monkey B virus is not well understood.
What is the epidemiology of Monkey B virus?
The epidemiology of Monkey B virus is not well understood.
