Human Herpesvirus 1 in Wild Marmosets, Brazil, 2008

et al. Tentative characterization of new environmental giant viruses by MALDI-TOF mass-spectrometry.seillevirus highlights the role of amoebae as a melting pot in emergence of chime-ric microorganisms. virophage as a unique parasite of the giant mimivirus. To the Editor: Human herpesvirus 1 (HHV-1) infections in New World monkey species, especially in the Callithrichid family, have been described (1–6), but most reports have discussed experimental infections or isolated spontaneous infections in pet, zoo, or research animals. We report an outbreak of HHV-1 in wild marmosets (Callithrix spp.) in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In October 2008, the Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária received 5 marmosets (Callithrix spp.) from the Campo Grande district of Rio de Janeiro for necropsy. These animals were usually fed by residents of a condominium complex and were having neurologic signs and severe prostration, physiologic changes suggestive of herpesvirus infections. Euthanasia, followed by necropsy and histopathologic examinations to determine the cause of illness, were recommended. The primary changes observed during necropsy were vesicular and necrotic plaques on tongues (online Appendix Figure, panel A, www.cdc. gov/EID/content/17/7/1308-appF. htm) and ulcerations in oral mucosa of all examined animals, as well as large lymph nodes of the cervical region, mainly retropharyngeal. Three animals showed marked brain congestion (online Appendix Figure, panel B). Other alterations were splenomegaly, lung congestion, and adrenomegaly. Histopathogic examinations found superfi cial ulcerations of the tongue, variable in dimension, that showed fi brinopurulent exudates, mononuclear cell infi ltrates on lamina propria, and balloon degeneration of epithelial cells. The brains had multifocal nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis with perivascular and vascular infi ltrates of mononuclear cells and gliose foci (Figure, panels A, B). Adrenal glands had hyperemia, hemorrhage, perivascular infi ltrates of mononuclear cells, and focal necrosis. Mild hyperemia and alveolar emphysema had occurred in lungs. The livers showed hyperemia and mild to moderate periportal infi ltrates of mononuclear cells. Lymph nodes showed hemorrhages, lymphoid hyperplasia, and small foci of subcapsular necrosis. Hyperemia and decreased lymphoid cells population were present in the spleens. In addition, intranuclear inclusion bodies in cells of brains, peripherical nerves, tongues, and adrenal glands were observed. These changes were found in all animals. All changes were consistent with HHV-1 in nonhuman primates (2–6,7,8). To confi rm the diagnosis, immunohistochemical examination was done by using polyclonal antibody directed against HHV-1. We used the avidin–biotin–peroxidase complex method with Harris hematoxylin counterstain. Sections taken of the ulcerated oral lesions had intranuclear inclusion …