HERPES SIMPLEX INFECTION

Course overview

The herpes viruses are endemic worldwide, and about 90% to 95% of humans become infected with herpes simplex virus during their life spans. Two strains of HSV exist: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Traditionally, HSV-1 has been responsible for about 80% of herpes virus infections above the waist (e.g., herpetic lesions of the lips, face and mouth) and 20% of genital infections. The reverse has been true for HSV-2, which causes 80% of herpes virus infections below the waist (e.g., Herpes genitalis) and 20% of oral infections. However, today the traditional HSV-1/HSV-2 ratio seems to be changing in younger women. Several recent studies in the U.S. show that HSV-1 oral herpes may be responsible for up to more than 40% of genital herpes among the younger population. This module provides clinicians with up-to-date information on HSV infections and the role of asymptomatic shedding in their transmission.