What's the B virus?

B-virus, Herpesvirus simiae, or Herpes virus B is the Simplexvirus infecting macaque monkeys. B virus is very similar to HSV-1, and as such, this neurotropic virus is not found in the blood. In the natural host, the virus exhibits pathogenesis similar to that of cold sores in humans.

What does B virus do?

Symptomatic human infections with the B virus are rare, but can result in acute inflammation of the brain and spinal cord resulting in death or severe nervous system impairment. Disease progression depends on the location of the exposure and on the number of infectious virus particles spread during exposure.

How do you get the B virus?

– Infections with B virus usually result from animal bites, scratches, exposures to the tissues or secretions of macaques, or by mucosal contact with monkey body fluid or tissue.

Can humans spread B virus?

Only one case has been documented of an infected person spreading B virus to another person. The first indications of B virus infection are typically flu-like symptoms: fever and chills.

Where is B virus found?

B virus can spread from infected macaque monkeys to people. Macaque monkeys commonly have this virus, and it can be found in their saliva, feces (poop), urine (pee), or brain or spinal cord tissue. The virus may also be found in cells coming from an infected monkey in a lab.

Hepatitis B virus | Structure, replication, transmission

Can B virus be cured?

This is known as a chronic infection. A vaccine can prevent hepatitis B, but there's no cure if you have the condition. If you're infected, taking certain precautions can help prevent spreading the virus to others.

Can B virus be treated?

Treatment for chronic hepatitis B may include: Antiviral medications. Several antiviral medicines — including entecavir (Baraclude), tenofovir (Viread), lamivudine (Epivir), adefovir (Hepsera) and telbivudine — can help fight the virus and slow its ability to damage your liver.

How is B virus prevented?

Prevention. There are no vaccines that can protect you against B virus infection. If you are in a place where there are macaque monkeys, you should stay away from them so that you do not get bitten or scratched. You should not touch or feed monkeys.

Can you get hepatitis B from touching someone?

How is it spread? Hepatitis B is not spread through sneezing, coughing, hugging, or breastfeeding. Although the virus can be found in saliva, it is not believed to be spread through kissing or sharing utensils.

What are other names for B virus?

B virus, whose scientific name is macacine herpesvirus 1 (McHV-1), is commonly referred to as herpes B. Other terms include simian herpes, monkey B virus, herpesvirus simiae, and herpesvirus B. B virus produces infection in several species of Old World macaque and cynomolgus primates.

Where did the B virus come from?

Today, scientists have finally mapped out the virus and its dissemination pattern, starting from that date 82 million years ago. The study determined that strands of hepatitis B started in North Africa and the Middle East. The virus then spread to the rest of the world.

What animal does hepatitis B come from?

In 2013, hepatitis B was thought to have originated in birds. Then in 2015, fish were thought to be a source. Throughout all these studies, it was clear that the virus is a prehistoric disease that was around at least 82 million years ago.

What are the complications of B virus?

For other people, acute hepatitis B leads to life-long infection known as chronic hepatitis B. Over time, chronic hepatitis B can cause serious health problems, including liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and even death.

How did my girlfriend get hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is an infection caused by a virus found in the blood. It can be spread during sex or through items that may have come in contact with infected blood, such as razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers, needles and syringes, and glucose meters.

What happens if I test positive for hepatitis B?

A positive test may also mean you have chronic hepatitis B infection. If you don't recover in 6 months, the virus may stay in your blood and cause liver problems. You can also infect others. Your healthcare provider may give you medicines if you don't recover after 6 months.

Is hepatitis B an STD or STI?

Hepatitis B is a sexually transmitted disease, but it is spread in other ways, too. This is a hardy virus that can exist on almost any surface for up to one month. You can get infected through contact with an infected person's blood or body fluids.

What are the 3 stages of hepatitis B?

The entire illness of acute hepatitis B sequentially passes through three phases, namely prodromal phase, icteric phase and convalescence phase.

Can you live a long life with hepatitis B?

The most important thing to remember is that hepatitis B is a chronic medical condition (such as diabetes and high blood pressure) that can be successfully managed if you take good care of your health and your liver. You should expect to live a long, full life.

How long can you live with hepatitis B without treatment?

Most people chronically infected with hepatitis B can expect to live long and healthy lives. Individuals with chronic HBV may not develop symptoms for up to 30 years. Damage to the liver can silently occur during this time.

What not to eat when you have hepatitis B?

Limit foods and drinks with added sugars including sodas, fruit juices, desserts, packaged snacks and other foods that contain added sugar. Limit foods containing saturated fats including fatty cuts of meat and foods fried in oil.

How do you flush out hepatitis B?

Usually for adults, hepatitis B goes away on its own and you won't need treatment. Your doctor might tell you to rest, eat well, and get plenty of fluids. You may also get medicines to help with any symptoms you might have — but be sure to talk with your doctor or nurse before taking anything.

What drink is good for hepatitis B?

The pros and cons of drinking coffee have been wildly debated for years. However, for those with Hepatitis B and other liver diseases, the addition of a couple of cups of coffee per day to slow down the progression of liver disease, along with decreasing the risk of diabetes and heart disease just makes sense.

How long does hepatitis B virus last?

When symptoms of acute hepatitis B occur, how long do they usually last? Symptoms typically last for several weeks but can persist for up to 6 months (7,8).

Is hepatitis B virus life threatening?

Though it's not common, some people experience acute liver failure with acute hepatitis B infection, which is a life-threatening emergency.

Is flu A and B the same as COVID?

COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2, while flu is caused by influenza A and B viruses.