Herpes Simplex Virus

Question 1

what is HSV

Answer 1

disease as a result of being infected with HSV1 or HSV2

Question 2

aetiology of HSV

Answer 2

transmitted via close contact; kissing, sexual intercourse with an individual shedding the virus

Question 3

pathophysiology of HSV

Answer 3

after being infected with the virus, the virus remains dormant in the nerve ganglia

reactivation may occur in response to physical and emotional stresses of immunosuppression

the virus causes cytolysis of infected epithelial cells leading to vesicle formation

Question 4

epidemiology of HSV

Answer 4

90% of individuals seropositive for HSV1

35% of adults above 60 are seropositive for HSV2

Question 5

presenting symptoms of HSV1

Answer 5

primary infection is asymptomatic, however

can present with

pharyngitis, gingivostomatitis, herpetic whitlow, coldsores (herpes labialis)

Question 6

complete healing time of HSV1

Answer 6

8-10 days

Question 7

presenting symptoms of HSV2

Answer 7

painful blisters and rashes in genital, anal areas

dysuria

fever

malaise

Question 8

symptoms of HSV encephalitis

Answer 8

usually caused by HSV1 so HSV1 symptoms

Question 9

symptoms of HSV keratoconjuctivitis

Answer 9

watering eyes, photophobia

Question 10

is the diagnosis clinical

Answer 10

yes

Question 11

what tests/ investigations can be ordered to confirm diagnosis

Answer 11

HSV PCR test

viral culture sent to electron. microscopy

Question 12

treatment

Answer 12

antiviral; Aciclovir, valaciclovir, famciclovir

oral administration