HERPES VIRUS- HSV

Question 1

Which Baltimore group does herpes virus fall under?

Answer 1

I- 1st group

*thus they’re double stranded DNA

Question 2

What are the 3 prominent sub-families of Herpes virus?

Answer 2

• Alphaherpesvirinae (HSV-1; HSV-2; VZV)

-Rapid growth- (characterized by their ability to replicate rapidly within host cells. They have relatively short replication cycles and can produce large numbers of viral progeny, leading to the rapid spread of infection within the host)

-Establish Latency in sensory neurons

• Betaherpesvirinae (CMV; HHV-6; HHV-7)
  -Slow growth
  -Latency in salivary gland, kidneys, lymphocytes
• Gammaherpesvirinae (EBV-Epstein Barr Virus; HHV-8/KSHV)
  -Lymphoproliferative diseases
  -Latency in lymphoid cells (immune cells ze adaptive immune system)

Question 3

How wud you describe the structure of herpes virus inside-out?

Answer 3

• It is made up of an icosahedral capsid
• Capsid is surrounded by tegument protein
• Then the whole thing is enclosed in a viral envelope which has glycoproteins on the outer most

Question 4

Where does transcription, genome replication, and capsid assembly of the herpes virus take place?

Answer 4

• In the host cell

*Human is the only host

Question 5

They share 50% genome homology (similarity between the genetic material (DNA sequences)

Answer 5

-HSV 1 & HSV 2

Question 6

When does Incidence of HSV peaks?

Answer 6

• 0-5years, and late teens (kisses and sexual activity(10%)

*HSV spreads through contact with bodily fluids as well, e.g. tears

Question 7

Which HSV type causes more cases?

Answer 7

Type 2

Question 8

How does herpes manifest in neonates?

Answer 8

It manifests as:
- skin, eye, and mouth herpes (localized; external lesions but no internal organ involvement)
- Disseminated herpes(DIS)
- central nervous system herpes(CNS)

Question 9

How to diagnose patient with herpes?

Answer 9

• Direct detection:
  -PCR (gold standard)
  -Immunofluorescence (can distinguish HSV and VZV) –commonly used in the past, limitations
  -Electron Microscopy (rapid, can’t distinguish HSV and VZV) –fried egg appearance
• Virus isolation (1-5 days)
• Serology
  -HSV ELISA IgG

Question 10

Acyclovir can be administered in different modes to HSV patients, depending on certain circumstances. What are those modes?

Answer 10

• Topical
• Oral for mucocutaneous prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients.
• IV-immunocompromised, severe infections

*Famciclovir & Valacyclovir are administered only orally

Question 11

Turns out we have Human Herpes Virus 3 as well. Which one is that one?

Answer 11

Varicellar Zoooster Virus