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== Biology ==

== 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 Human herpesviruses (HHV) 1-8.  HSV 1 and 2 correspond to HHV 1 and 2.  HSV 1 and 2 are very prevalent in the human population, with as many as 30-70% of people testing positive for antibodies in their lifetime. [[Goldman: Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 22nd ed.,    Copyright © 2004  W. B. Saunders Company]]

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is a member of the [[Herpesviridae]] family of viruses, a family of DNA viruses important in human disease.  These include Human herpesviruses (HHV) 1-8.  HSV 1 and 2 correspond to HHV 1 and 2.  HSV 1 and 2 are very prevalent in the human population, with as many as 30-70% of people testing positive for antibodies in their lifetime.

 

== Pathology ==

== Pathology ==

HSV 1 and 2 cause common human illnesses, and infection is life-long.  In general, HSV 1 is more commonly seen on the face, and HSV 2 is more commonly seen on the genitalia. The virus is spread by simple person-to-person contact and can occur when sores are visible, and when the virus is dormant, although this is less effective.  These viruses generally cause mucocutaneous infection.  This can manifest as cold sores on the lips, or as genital sores.  These are generally painful.  Initial 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.  

HSV 1 and 2 cause common human illnesses, and infection is life-long.  In general, HSV 1 is more commonly seen on the face, and HSV 2 is more commonly seen on the genitalia. The virus is spread by simple person-to-person contact and can occur when sores are visible, and when the virus is dormant, although this is less effective.  These viruses generally cause mucocutaneous infection.  This can manifest as cold sores on the lips, or as genital sores.  These are generally painful.  Initial 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. [[Cohen & Powderly: Infectious Diseases, 2nd ed., Copyright © 2004 Mosby, An Imprint of Elsevier]]

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.