title: Cercopithecine Herpesvirus 9 (Simian Varicella Virus) Infection after Total-Body Irradiation in a Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta).
abstract: This case report describes a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta; male; age, 5 y; weight, 6.7 kg) with anorexia, dehydration, lethargy, ataxia, and generalized skin rashes that occurred 30 d after total-body irradiation at 6.5 Gy ((60)Co γ-rays). Physical examination revealed pale mucus membranes, a capillary refill time of 4 s, heart rate of 180 bpm. and respirations at 50 breaths per minute. Diffuse multifocal maculopapulovesicular rashes were present on the body, including mucocutaneous junctions. The CBC analysis revealed a Hct of 48%, RBC count of 6.2 × 10(6)/μL, platelet count of 44 × 10(3)/μL, and WBC count of 25 × 10(3)/μL of WBC. The macaque was euthanized in light of a grave prognosis. Gross examination revealed white foci on the liver, multifocal generalized petechiation on serosal and mucosal surfaces of the gastrointestinal tract, hemorrhagic lymph nodes, and hemorrhagic fluid in the thoracic cavity. Microscopic examination revealed cutaneous vesicular lesions with intranuclear eosinophilic viral inclusions within the epithelial cells, consistent with herpesvirus. Immunohistochemistry was positive for herpesvirus. The serum sample was negative for antibodies against Macacine herpesvirus 1 and Cercopithecine herpesvirus 9 (simian varicella virus, SVV). Samples submitted for PCR-based identification of the etiologic agent confirmed the presence of SVV DNA. PCR analysis, immunohistochemistry, and histology confirmed that lesions were attributed to an active SVV infection in this macaque. This case illustrates the importance of screening for SVV in rhesus macaques, especially those used in studies that involve immunosuppressive procedures.
authors.affiliation: Veterinary Science Department, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA; Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
authors.forename: Jatinder
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gulani
authors.affiliation: Veterinary Science Department, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
authors.forename: Amory
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Koch
authors.affiliation: Veterinary Science Department, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
authors.forename: Mark G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Chappell
authors.affiliation: Veterinary Science Department, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
authors.forename: Christine L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Christensen
authors.affiliation: Global Health Engagements, Office of the Surgeon General, Falls Church, Virginia, USA.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Facemire
authors.affiliation: Scientific Research Department, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA; Department of Radiation Biology, F Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
authors.forename: Vijay K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Scientific Research Department, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
authors.forename: Natalia I
authors.initials: NI
authors.lastname: Ossetrova
authors.affiliation: Scientific Research Department, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
authors.forename: Venkataraman
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Srinivasan
authors.affiliation: Veterinary Science Department, Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
authors.forename: Rebecca K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Holt
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary* / Q000821:virology; D006568:Herpesvirus 1, Cercopithecine / Q000528:radiation effects*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008253:Macaca mulatta / Q000821:virology; D008297:Male; D008992:Monkey Diseases / Q000473:pathology* / Q000821:virology; D014916:Whole-Body Irradiation / Q000009:adverse effects*