HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS (HSV-1¸ HSV-2¸ HUMAN HERPES V¸ GENITAL HERPES)

a herpesvirus that causes blisters and recurring disease. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) usually produces lesions on the lips or in the mouth ("cold sores" or "fever blisters"). HSV type 2 (HSV-2) is usually sexually transmitted and lesions generally occur in the genital and/or anal area. Blisters typically appear 2-12 days after infection and may be painful. In healthy individuals, lesions usually resolve without treatment in 2-3 weeks; in immunocompromised persons, lesions may last longer, may be more frequent and severe, and the virus may become disseminated. Symptomatic disease outbreaks occur at unpredictable intervals. Between outbreaks HSV lies dormant in the nerves; reactivation may result from emotional stress, physical trauma, hormonal changes or other illnesses. Outbreaks may be preceded by a numb or tingling sensation and flu-like symptoms known as the prodrome. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are treated with acyclovir; ganciclovir or foscarnet are used to treat acyclovir-resistant HSV.