Herpes simplex

Herpes simplex is an infection caused by herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. It commonly causes recurrent oral or genital sores, though infection can also be symptom-free or affect other body sites.

Herpes simplex virus: A group of enveloped DNA viruses that establish lifelong infections in humans. These viruses cause the infection and persist in sensory nerve cells between outbreaks.
Oral herpes: Herpes simplex infection of the mouth or surrounding facial skin. This is the common facial presentation, often involving recurrent cold sores.
Herpes simplex virus type 1: A herpes simplex virus type commonly associated with oral infection, but also capable of causing genital infection. It causes most oral herpes and a growing share of genital herpes.
Varicella-zoster virus: A herpesvirus that causes chickenpox and can later reactivate as shingles. It also establishes latency and causes blisters, but is a different virus from herpes simplex.
Viral latency: A state in which a virus persists in host cells with limited production of new virus. Herpes simplex viruses remain latent in nerve cells after initial infection.
Genital herpes: Herpes simplex infection of the genital or anal region. This is the principal sexually transmitted presentation of the infection.
Herpes simplex virus type 2: A herpes simplex virus type commonly associated with genital infection. It is a frequent cause of recurrent genital herpes.
Syphilis: A sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Its genital sores can resemble herpes, but the cause and treatment differ.
Viral reactivation: The renewed replication of a persistent virus after a period of latency. Reactivation can send virus back to skin or mucosa and produce recurrent sores.
Neonatal herpes: Herpes simplex infection acquired by a newborn, often around the time of birth. Transmission during childbirth can cause severe disease in newborns.

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