Herpes simplex virus

Herpes viruses are the causative agents of cold sores. Two known pathogens of this disease are Herpes simplex 1 (HSV1) and Herpes simplex 2 (HSV2). Both viruses can affect the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth, genital area, and anus. HSV1 remains latent in the trigeminal nerve ganglia, while HSV2 in the sensory nerve ganglia of the spinal cord. Therefore, during virus reactivation, the lesions occur in the areas innervated by the respective nerves. Both viruses (HSV1 and HSV2) are human α-herpesviruses with DNA. When the viruses enter the neurons of peripheral nerve ganglia, they become latent. After some time, under certain conditions, the viruses can transition from the latent state to an active state and cause cold sores. The viruses are sensitive to 1% hypochlorite, alcoholic iodine solutions, 70% ethanol, glutaraldehyde, and formaldehyde. They survive briefly in the external environment. Transmission occurs through direct contact and saliva, while airborne transmission is ineffective.

Source | Glossary of Most Commonly Used Biomedical Terms and Concepts | Lithuanian University of Health Sciences | Academician Professor Antanas Praškevičius, Professor Laima Ivanovienė