8.Herpesviridae_Flashcards

Question 1

What are the 3 subfamilies of the Herpesviridae family?

Answer 1

1. α-Herpesvirinae (Neurotropic): HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV
2. β-Herpesvirinae (Lymphotropic): CMV, HHV-6, HHV-7
3. γ-Herpesvirinae: EBV, KSHV (Kaposi Sarcoma Virus)

Question 2

What does the word ‘herpein’ mean, and why is it associated with Herpesviridae?

Answer 2

‘Herpein’ is Greek for ‘to creep,’ referring to the spreading nature of herpes lesions.

Question 3

Describe the structure of Herpesviridae.

Answer 3

Large, spherical, double-stranded linear DNA.
Icosahedral capsid.
Enveloped (enters via fusion, buds out with glycoproteins).
Contains tegument (viral proteins and lipids).

Question 4

Where does Herpesviridae replication occur, and what are the two phases?

Answer 4

Replicates in the nucleus.
Two phases:
1. Lytic infection: Virus actively replicates, causing symptoms.
2. Latent infection: Virus is dormant in host cells, reactivating later.

Question 5

What is the main diagnostic method for Herpesviridae infections?

Answer 5

Mainly clinical (based on characteristic lesions).
Confirmed with lab smears, showing intranuclear inclusion bodies.

Question 6

What are the key clinical features of Herpesviridae infections?

Answer 6

Initial infection: Self-limited illness.
Latency: Virus persists silently in host cells.
Reactivation: Triggers cell lysis and symptomatic disease.

Question 7

What are some examples of control methods for Herpesviridae infections?

Answer 7

1. Avoid contact with infected individuals.
2. Vaccines: Varicella-Zoster vaccine for VZV.
3. Hyperimmune globulin for high-risk patients.

Question 8

What are two hallmark pathological findings caused by Herpesviridae?

Answer 8

1. Syncytia formation (multi-nucleated giant cells).
2. Intranuclear inclusion bodies.