Question

Human herpes virus 1 & 2 (herpes simplex virus types 1 & 2) and human herpes virus 3 (varicella zoster virus) share the ability to establish persistence in their host. Discuss the mechanisms of this persistence and describe the disease consequences for each of these viruses.

Answer 1

Herpes is a condition caused by the infection with herpes simplex virus. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is categorised into two types Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and Herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 is mainly caused by Oral to Oral contact to cause ORAL Herpes. It is mainly caused by Oral kissing, use of toothbrush etc.

HSV-2 infection is sexually transmitted that cause GENITAL herpes. It is mainly caused by unprotected sex i.e without the use of condoms. Symptoms of genital herpes include painful reddish blisters on genital organs and rectum.

Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are asymptomatic initially. After that, symptoms include painful blisters or ulcers at the site of infection. Oral herpes or HSV-1 infection can cause sores on lips and mouth. Sometimes, HSV-1 can cause Genital herpes also.

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) sometimes called as herpes virus -3 is one of the 8 kind of herpes virus. It cause chickenpox and herpes zoster also called as Shingles.Shingles Symptoms include red skin rash that can cause pain and burning sensation, fluid filled blisters, itching fever, chills etc. These blisters mainly appear on neck, face and torso.

Person infected with varicella zoster virus have chicken pox. After his treatment of chicken pot, he will suffer from herpes zoster caused by the same varicella zoster virus, because this virus live in Neuralgia of nervous system. The infection of the virus remain persistent from childhood to lifelong because HSV is a neurotropic virus which Establishes lifelong latent infections in the neurons.