Herpes Simplex

General Information
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a common viral infection. Herpes is subdivided into two groups’ Oral herpes and Genital herpes. Oral herpes cause cold sores around the mouth or face, while genital herpes affects the genitals, buttocks or anal area. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD); the virus is contagious even if an outbreak is not present. The virus can infect newborns during childbirth if the mother is infected. HSV evolves into pruritic, painful blisters prior to healing. Outbreaks can be present in patients several times a year. Treatments prescribed will help your body fight the virus and may help lessen symptoms and decrease outbreaks. Correct usage of latex condoms can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading herpes. Oral anti-viral medications such as acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir have been developed to treat herpes infections. The medications can be used to treat an outbreak and can be used on a constant basis to suppress herpes recurrences, reduce outbreaks, and spreading by viral shedding.

Epidemiology
One in six adults now infected in the United States

Etiology
Type 1 infections can be transmitted by kissing, sharing eating utensils, or by sharing towels. Type 2 infections can be transmitted by sexual contact with an infected person

Pathogenesis
HSV type 1 initial episodes are mild; HSV Type 2 usually results in sores two to twenty days after contact with an infected person.

Clinical
HSV Type 1 infections are tiny, clear, fluid-filled blisters. HSV Type 2 usually results in sores

Histology
Intraepidermal vesicle produced by profound degeneration of epidermal cells, resulting in marked acantholysis.

Bibliography
1. “Herpes Simplex” (Online). http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/viral_herpes_simplex.html5 (visited: March 18, 2008) 2. “Herpes Simplex” (Online). February 2008 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/herpessimplex.html (visited: March 18, 2008)

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 Herpes Simplex