HERPES

Herpes = Disease

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1, HSV-2) = virus

Both viruses can cause both oral and genital herpes

Double Stranded DNA (dsDNA) virus, enveloped, spikes

Latency, reactivate at a later time (trauma, stress, fever, UV light)

776,000 new cases of genital herpes/yr. in U.S.

Incubation period 1-2 weeks

According to the CDC more than 1 in 6 people ages 14-49 in U.S. have genital herpes; often no symptoms so many may not know they have it

Many people infected with HSV-1 or HSV-2 are asymptomatic

Signs and Symptoms:

Small. painful vesicles (blisters) that break open leaving lesions. Lesions can take 2-4 weeks to heal.

Testing PCR and cell culture

Antiviral drug acyclovir inhibits synthesis step

Can be transmitted during delivery woman with history of herpes may be given antiviral medication starting at week 36 of gestation to prevent herpes outbreak during delivery. C-section necessary.

Transmission HSV-2 is usually sexually transmitted via unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse. Asymptomatic HSV-2 patients are shedding the virus from normal skin 10% of time.

Transmission HSV-1 mouth to mouth, mouth to genital, genital to genital