TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Chapter 193. Herpes Simplex A1 - Marques, Adriana R. A1 - Cohen, Jeffrey I. A2 - Goldsmith, Lowell A. A2 - Katz, Stephen I. A2 - Gilchrest, Barbara A. A2 - Paller, Amy S. A2 - Leffell, David J. A2 - Wolff, Klaus PY - 2012 T2 - Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine, 8e AB - |PrintHerpes Simplex at a GlanceHerpes simplex viruses (HSVs) are common human DNA viral pathogens that intermittently reactivate. After replication in the skin or mucosa, the virus infects the local nerve endings and ascends to the ganglia where it becomes latent until reactivation.There are two types of HSV: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 is mostly associated with orofacial disease, whereas HSV-2 usually causes genital infection, but both can infect oral and genital areas and cause acute and recurrent infections.Most of the adult population is seropositive for HSV-1, and the majority of infections are acquired in childhood. About one-fourth of adults are infected with HSV-2 in the United States. Acquisition of HSV-2 correlates with sexual behavior.Most primary HSV infections are asymptomatic or not recognized, but they can also cause severe disease. Most recurrences are not symptomatic (asymptomatic shedding), with most transmissions occurring by asymptomatic shedding.Genital herpes is the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease worldwide and is the most common cause of ulcerative genital disease, and it is an important risk factor for acquisition and transmission of human immunodeficiency virus.HSV can cause diseases involving the eye, central nervous system, and neonatal infection. Cellular immunity defects are a risk factor for severe and disseminated disease.Diagnosis is made by polymerase chain reaction, viral culture, or serology, depending on the clinical presentation.Treatment is with acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir. Regimens and dosages vary with the clinical setting. Resistance is rare in other than immunocompromised patients. SN - PB - The McGraw-Hill Companies CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/03/28 UR - accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=56088097 ER -