The herpes viruses are responsible for many common infections. Once infected with a herpes virus, the host can never be rid of it. The virus will lie latent within the host cells, periodically becoming active and causing symptoms before remitting again. Hearing the word "herpes", most people think of the orally and genitally transmitted types, technically called herpes simplex 1 and 2. However, the family of herpes viruses also includes the following: Varicella-zoster, Epstein-Barr, and others.
Oral and Genital Herpes: Herpes Simplex Virus (Types 1 and 2)
The herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes cold sores and sexually transmitted herpes, which present as small, painful ulcers at the site of infection, either the mouth (HSV-1) or the genitals (HSV-2). After initial infection, the virus becomes latent and may reactivate over time in flare-ups.
HSV is a very common virus. Almost all adults have antibodies to HSV-1, indicating its presence, probably due to exposure from their mothers in childhood. Nearly one in four adults have antibodies to HSV-2, the type responsible for genital sores. Up to 90% of people who are infected with either type of HSV have no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they appear within one to two weeks of infection. With HSV-2, flulike symptoms are followed by genital lesions. Outbreaks of both HSV-2 and HSV-1 can be triggered by stress, illness, or fatigue.
There is no cure for herpes simplex, but antiviral drugs can shorten the duration and severity of symptoms. People with very common out breaks may take antiviral drugs every day. If infected, it is important to inform all of your sexual partners. The virus can be transmitted even without sores present.
Varicella-zoster Virus Causes Chickenpox and Shingles
The varicella-zoster virus is another herpesvirus and is responsible for both chickenpox and shingles. Chickenpox infection is highly contagious, though usually mild. It most commonly affects children and presents as a rash made up of small blisters with persistent itching. After seemingly going away, the rash actually becomes dormant and lives in the body's sensory nerves. Later in life, the virus may reactivate and cause shingles. Shingles can cause intense pain in the affected nerves, with a rash that follows the nerve pathways that are affected. There are vaccines available for both chickenpox and shingles. In fact, the first vaccines created were made to combat cowpox and smallpox, two illnesses similar in presentation to chickenpox.
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
This is the virus that causes mononucleosis, commonly called Mono. Mono is spread by intimate contact with infected saliva - by drinking or eating after an infected person or by kissing. Symptoms of Mono include swollen lymph nodes, headache, sore throat, fever, and extreme fatigue. Many people get Mono without symptoms. In fact, nearly 90% of Americans have become infected with EBV at some point. Even for those who get initial symptoms, EBV does not generally re-activate throughout life.
Other Herpes viruses
Two less common herpes viruses can cause severe problems for people with compromised immune systems, such as HIV patients. Cytomegalovirus infects the lungs, brain, bowels, and eyes. Human herpesvirus 8 has been linked to Kaposi's sarcoma, an ulcerative skin ailment common in HIV patients.
Sources:
- Insel, Paul M. and Roth, Walton T. Core Concepts in Health. 9th ed. McGraw-Hill, 2002.
- Campbell, Neil A. and Reece, Jane B. Biology. 6th ed. Pearson Education, Inc., 2002.
Kathleen Sanders - Kathleen Sanders has a BS in Biology and a life-long love of learning about almost any subject. Her particular interests include physical ...
