Herpes simplex virus

Herpes simplex viruses are human alphaherpesviruses that cause oral and genital infections. They can persist for life in sensory nerve cells and reactivate periodically.

Herpes simplex latency: A dormant state in which herpes simplex viral genomes persist in sensory neurons with little viral gene expression. The virus remains in sensory neurons between episodes, beyond the reach of treatments that target active replication.
Herpes simplex virus type 1: A herpes simplex virus type commonly associated with oral herpes, though it can also cause genital infection. HSV-1 accounts for many oral infections and an increasing share of genital herpes.
Herpes simplex virus test: A laboratory test that detects herpes simplex virus or evidence of an immune response to it. PCR from a lesion can confirm active infection, while type-specific blood tests address past exposure.
Oral herpes: Herpes simplex infection of the mouth or surrounding facial skin, often causing recurrent cold sores. Oral herpes is a familiar expression of infection, especially with HSV-1.
Varicella-zoster virus: A human herpesvirus that causes chickenpox and can later reactivate as shingles. Like herpes simplex, it remains latent in sensory neurons, but its characteristic diseases differ.
Herpes simplex reactivation: The return of herpes simplex virus from neuronal latency to active replication and shedding. Reactivation brings virus back to skin or mucosal surfaces and can cause recurrent symptoms or silent shedding.
Herpes simplex virus type 2: A herpes simplex virus type most often associated with genital herpes and recurrent genital outbreaks. HSV-2 is strongly associated with genital infection and tends to reactivate frequently in that region.
Polymerase chain reaction: A laboratory method that amplifies selected DNA sequences for detection and analysis. PCR is the preferred method for detecting herpes simplex DNA in many lesion and cerebrospinal-fluid samples.
Genital herpes: A sexually transmitted infection of the genital or anal region caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2. Genital infection can recur and transmit even when visible sores are absent.
Epstein-Barr virus: A human herpesvirus that infects B cells and epithelial cells and causes infectious mononucleosis and other diseases. It shares lifelong persistence with herpes simplex but establishes latency in a different major cell type.

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