Herpes

Question 1

summarise the different types of human hypersvirus?

Answer 1

Question 2

define herpes simplex virus?

Answer 2

Disease resulting from HSV1 or HSV2 infection.

Question 3

summarise the epidemiology of herpes simplex virus?

Answer 3

VERY COMMON – 90% adults seropositive for HSV1 by 30 years (can be asymptomatic)

Question 4

outline the presentation of HSV-1?

Answer 4

Gingivostomatitis, cold sores (herpes labialis)

Herpetic whitlow

Eczemaherpeticum

Herpes simplex meningitis, encephalitis

Systemic infection

Keratoconjunctivitis

Question 5

outline the presentatioin of HSV-2?

Answer 5

•Genital herpes(Chronic-life long)

=> flu-like prodrome

=> vesicles/papules around genitals, anus

• Shallow ulcers
• Urethral discharge
• Dysuria
• Fever and malaise

Question 6

outline the aetiology of herpes simplex virus?

Answer 6

Virus becomes dormant following primary infection – trigeminal/sacral root ganglia.

Reactivation may occur in response to stress or immunosuppression (HIV)

Latent phase: Chronic infection where infectious virions are not produced -> Asymptomatic

Lytic phase: Viral replication and transport of virus to skin -> Active infection

Question 7

what are the investigations for herpes simplex virus?

Answer 7

Usually Clinical Diagnosis

May consider viral culture and HSV PCR

Question 8

outline the management of herpes simplex virus?

Answer 8

Topical, oral or IV acyclovir