Article Sections

Introduction

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) are double-stranded DNA viruses that cause life-long infection within the host with periods of latency and reactivation.  HSV can be divided into two serotypes:  HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Risk factors

HSV-1
  • Oral contact:  most common mode of transmission, often through kissing or sharing utensils
  • Young age:  commonly acquired during childhood
  • Crowded living conditions:  higher transmission rates due to close contact
  • Immunosuppression:  increased risk of severe or recurrent infections
HSV-2
  • Sexual contact with no barrier protection, multiple sexual partners
  • Female gender
  • Immunosuppression

Pathophysiology

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is an enveloped, double-stranded DNA virus with 2 different serotypes:  HSV-1 and HSV-2, according to the glycoproteins in the lipid bilayer envelope (glycoprotein G1 is associated with HSV-1 and glycoprotein G2 is associated with HSV-2).  Classically, HSV-1 is associated with gingivostomatitis (ie, vesicles on the anterior oral mucosa) and HSV-2 is associated with genital infection; however, infection with either serotype can occur at either location.

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