Serological evidence of herpesvirus infection in gibbons

The prevalence of IgG antibodies against HSV-1, HSV-2, EBV and CMV was 28.2%, 28.2%, 14.1% and 17.9%, respectively.Antigenic cross-reactivity is expected to exist between the human herpesviruses and gibbon herpesviruses. Gibbons have antibodies to human herpesviruses that may reflect zoonotic infection with human herpesviruses or infection with indigenous gibbon herpesviruses. Therefore, it is difficult to draw concrete conclusions from serological studies alone. Identification should be based on further isolation and molecular characterization of viruses from seropositive animals.Gibbons (Hylobates spp.) have become valuable animals for zoological, medical and psychological research. Their small size (the smallest of the anthropoids), ease of handling and maintenance in captivity and their close phylogenetic relationship to humans represent only a few of their desirable characteristics as laboratory animals. Gibbons are found throughout the tropical rainforest of South and Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Illegal pet trade is the main cause of the decreasing gibbon population in Thailand. Since gibbons were categorized as a conserved species in Thailand, hundreds of appropriated and abandoned animals have been handed over to the authorities of the Royal Forest Department (RFD). An infectious disease screening process is necessary to interrupt the spread of diseases, including herpesvirus infection. Little is known regarding natural or experimental herpesvirus infections in this interesting arboreal primate and reports of outbreaks or natural disease are still limited. Hence, screening is required to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, including herpesvirus.Herpesviruses have been isolated from a wide variety of mammalian and non-mammalian species. The eight human herpesviruses, herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and -2), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human cytomegalovirus (CMV), and human herpesvirus