Herpes Simplex Virus Flashcards
What is herpes simplex virus (HSV).
A double stranded DNA virus.
What does HSV cause.
A wide variety of syndromes.
How is HSV transmitted. (2)
Via infected saliva, genitalia contact.
What are the symptoms of HSV. (2)
Cold sores (usually HSV-1). Genital herpes (usually HSV-1 and -2).
What are the clinical signs of HSV. (4)
Pyrexia.
Herpetic vesicles.
Cervicitis.
Urethritis.
What are the manifestations of herpes infections. (9)
Genital herpes. Gingivostomatitis. Herpetic whitlow. Herpes glandiatorum. Eczema herpeticum. Herpes simplex meningitis. Systemic infection. Herpes simplex encephalitis. HSV keratitis.
What are the features of genital herpes infection.
Chronic, life-long infection.
What is the most common causative organism in genital herpes.
HSV-2.
What are the symptoms of genital herpes. (6)
Flu like symptoms. Grouped vesicles/papules develop around the genitals, anus or throat. These burst, forming shallow ulcers. Urethral discharge. Dysuria (especially in women). Urinary retention.
What is the average time for an ulcer to heal in genital herpes.
3 weeks.
What is the best prevention of genital herpes.
Condom use, even during oral sex.
What are the features of gingivostomatitis.
Ulcers filled with yellow slough appear in the mouth.
What are the features of herpetic whitlow.
Abrasions allow the virus the enter the finger, causing a vesicle.
What are the features of herpes glandiatorum.
Vesicles form wherever HSV is ground into the skin by force.
What are the features of eczema herpeticum.
HSV infection of eczematous skin.
Who does eczema herpeticum usually occur in.
Children.
How common is herpes simplex meningitis.
Uncommon and usually self limiting.
What is the typical causative organism in herpes simplex meningitis.
HSV-2.
Who does herpes simplex meningitis usually occur in.
Women during a primary attack.
How dangerous is systemic herpes infection.
It is usually mild, but may be life-threatening if immunocompromised.
What are the signs of systemic herpes infection. (5)
Fever. Sore throat. Lymphadenopathy. Pneumonitis. Hepatitis.
What is the pattern of spread in herpes simplex encephalitis.
Spreads from cranial nerve ganglia, to frontal and temporal lobes.
When should you suspect herpes simplex encephalitis. (8)
Fever. Fits. Headaches. Odd behaviour. Dysphasia. Hemiparesis. Coma. Brainstem encephalitis, meningitis or myelitis.
What are the features of HSV keratitis.
Corneal dendritic ulcers.
What are the causes of recurrent HSV infection. (4)
Dormant HSV in ganglion cells may be reactivated by: Illness. Immunosuppression. Menstruation. Sunlight.
Give an example of a manifestation of dormant HSV infection.
Cold sores.
