Question

We briefly discussed the Herpes simplex virus (HSV) recently. I would like for you to write about this virus. Go into some detail about the differences between the two types. Here are a few discussion suggestions you can use during this:

–How is it able to lie dormant in someone for years and then resurface again?

–How does HSV avoid the immune response during the time it is dormant?

–If you are working with the public what do you think you could do as far as education of your patients?  

–What do you think is the biggest problem as far as why this virus is so often spread?

Don’t feel limited by the suggestions I gave you. This question was suggested by one of my earlier classes. Once again give me at least fifteen sentences.

Answer 1

The herpes simplex virus are large measuring 100–200 nm, enveloped viruses containing double-stranded DNA genomes packed in an icosahedral protein cage.They are differentiated into two types

• Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) -It is transmitted by oral-to-oral contact to cause oral herpes and also cause genital herpes.
• Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2)- Also called herpes genitalis is transmitted via sexual contact and also asexually from wet surfaces or by touching the cold sore in lips then touching genital area.

Usually viruses has the ability to lay dormant in the host cell for years. HSV being a virus stays inside the host tissue without producing infective viral particles .As it is large and also has a complicated connection with the host they stay in dormant stage and resurface any time with or without influence of external sources.Once viral replication becomes diminished after the initial phase the virus ascend the peripheral sensory nerves and remains inactive in nerve ganglia.

In dormant stage the viruses donot produce virulent material . No viral proteins means no red flags for immune cells. So immune response is not activated against the virus.

Educate the patients about the how transmission occurs , management, treatment strategies , strategies to minimise the spread of infection and also importance of adherence to treatment regimen if infected with herpes simplex virus.. Advice them about self care measures like wash hands , use condoms while having intercourse, etc.

Anyone can get affected with herpes simplex virus and it may be in dormant stage in a human. He may still be a mode of transmission to others. Mostly this infection spreads through sexual contact , it also leads to risk of acquiring HIV . Low immune persons can easily catch this disease like children , pregnant mothers. Illness, stress, sunlight, and fatigue has ability to trigger recurrent herpes outbreaks.

There is fetal morbidity and mortality if HSV infects pregnant mothers .Thus this is a life long viral infection which can be asymptomatic and also reoccur often .