Herpes Simplex Virus
"HSV" redirects here. For the German soccer club, see Hamburger SV.
Biology
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a member of the Herpesviridae family of viruses, a family of DNA viruses important in human disease. These include infection can be accompanied by systemic systems such as fever and muscle aches. After resolution of the initial infection, the virus becomes dormant in the human host. Under certain conditions that are not well understood, the virus is reactivated, with a recurrence of mucocutaneous infection. These recurrent attacks are unpredictable and can be frequent or infrequent. In addition to the common mucocutaneous infection, HSV 1 and 2 can also cause keratitis (inflammation in the eye), encephalitis (brain infection), and severe neonatal disease if acquired during pregnancy.
Prevention and Treatment
Because HSV 2 is spread more commonly by sexual contact, it is easier to prevent than HSV 1. There is currently no vaccine available for either virus. Avoiding contact with people who have obvious sores helps reduce infection, and prophylaxis with commonly available antiviral drugs can help prevent transmission during the latent phase of the illness. Prophylaxis can also be given to reduce frequency and severity of attacks.