Human Herpesviruses 1 and 2

Thesis (M.Nurs.), College of Nursing, Washington State UniversityHerpes simplex virus (HSY) is one of the most common infections in the human population. The human herpes simplex viruses include two distinct but closely related viruses designated as HSY-I and HSY-2. By age 70, about 90% of Americans have become infected with HSY-I. A 30% increase in genital infections with HSY-2 has been reported by the Centers for Disease Control. Although HSY-l and 2 have been considered site specific, HSY-l associated with oral lesions and HSY-2 considered a genital infection, the typing of virus isolates has indicated this to be questionable conclusion. An infection with HSY-l or 2 may have devastating consequences in those who are immunosuppressed due to organ transplantation, cancer chemotherapy, or infected with human immunodeficiency virus. Although the neonatal mortality from HSY has declined with the developlnent of new antiviral medications, the morbidity of neurological complications remains about 50%. Without the understanding of the disease among clinicians and the continued efforts to ameliorate its effects, HSV will continue to be a devastating diagnosis for most individuals. The purpose of this article is to provide a review of HSV-I and 2, and to discuss the pathogenesis, transmission, clinical manifestations, laboratory diagnosis, complications and treatment of this disease