A naturally occurring fatal case of Herpesvirus papio 2 pneumonia in an infant baboon (Papio hamadryas anubis).

Here we describe the unusual finding of herpesvirus pneumonia in a 7-d-old infant baboon (Papio hamadryas anubis). This animal had been separated from its dam the morning of its birth and was being hand-reared for inclusion in a specific pathogen-free colony. The baboon was presented for anorexia and depression of 2 d duration. Physical examination revealed a slightly decreased body temperature, lethargy, and dyspnea. The baboon was placed on a warm-water blanket and was given amoxicillin-clavulanate orally and fluids subcutaneously. The animal's clinical condition continued to deteriorate despite tube feeding, subcutaneous fluid administration, and antibiotic therapy, and it died 2 d later. Gross necropsy revealed a thin carcass and severe bilateral diffuse pulmonary consolidation. Histopathology of the lung revealed severe diffuse necrotizing pneumonia. Numerous epithelial and endothelial cells contained prominent intranuclear herpetic inclusion bodies. Virus isolated from lung tissue in cell culture was suspected to be Herpesvirus papio 2 (HVP2) in light of the viral cytopathic effect. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis and DNA sequencing of PCR products both confirmed that the virus was HVP2. This case is interesting because the age at onset suggests perinatal transmission at or immediately after birth, and the disease course suggests inoculation of the virus into the respiratory tract.