Herpes

Herpes commonly means infection with herpes simplex virus, which can cause recurring sores around the mouth or genitals. The broader herpesvirus family also causes diseases such as chickenpox and shingles.

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Herpes simplex virus: A pair of related viruses, HSV-1 and HSV-2, that cause oral and genital infections. These are the viruses behind the infections most commonly called herpes.
Acyclovir: An antiviral drug that inhibits herpesvirus DNA replication after activation in infected cells. It treats outbreaks and can reduce recurrences and transmission risk.
Varicella-zoster virus: A herpesvirus that causes chickenpox and can later reactivate as shingles. It belongs to the herpesvirus family but is not herpes simplex.
Sexually transmitted infection: An infection that can spread through sexual contact. Genital herpes is one member of this broad group.
Herpesviridae: A family of DNA viruses that establish lifelong infections in humans and other animals. Herpes simplex viruses are members of this larger family.
Viral latency: A state in which a virus persists in host cells with limited production of new virus. Herpes simplex persists in nerve cells between symptomatic episodes.
Polymerase chain reaction: A laboratory method that amplifies targeted DNA sequences for detection. PCR testing of a lesion can identify herpes simplex virus and its type.
Canker sore: A shallow, noncontagious ulcer inside the mouth, with no established link to herpes simplex virus. It can resemble oral herpes but has a different cause and appearance.
Herpes simplex virus and HIV acquisition: The observed association between genital HSV infection and increased risk of acquiring HIV. Genital inflammation and skin breaks can increase susceptibility to HIV.
HSV-1: Herpes simplex virus type 1, often associated with oral infection but also capable of causing genital infection. It is a frequent cause of cold sores and can also cause genital herpes.