Herpes Simplex Questions & Answers

Updated: May 24, 2021
  • Author: Folusakin O Ayoade, MD; Chief Editor: Michael Stuart Bronze, MD  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What are herpes simplex viruses (HSV)?

How is the term herpes derived?

What percentage of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are asymptomatic?

Is the prevalence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) increasing or decreasing worldwide?

What is the microbiology of herpes simplex virus (HSV)?

What biological properties are characteristic of herpes simplex virus (HSV)?

How does the body defend against herpes simplex virus (HSV)?

Is herpes simplex virus (HSV) found worldwide?

How is herpes simplex virus (HSV) transmitted?

What is the prevalence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in the US?

How does seroprevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 correlate with socioeconomic status, race, and age?

What is the global incidence of herpes simplex virus (HSV)?

What factors increase the mortality rate associated with herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections?

How is the prevalence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) distributed among different racial groups in the US?

Is seropositivity to herpes simplex virus (HSV) more common in women or men?

How does herpes simplex virus (HSV) incidence differ among different age groups?

Presentation

What factors determine the clinical course of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections?

At what age is acute herpetic gingivostomatitis most likely to occur in patients with herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections?

What are the clinical features of acute herpetic gingivostomatitis in patients with herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections?

How long does acute herpetic gingivostomatitis last in patients with herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections?

How does acute herpetic pharyngotonsillitis present in patients with herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections?

How does herpes labialis (cold sore) present in patients with herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections?

What is herpes whitlow?

What is herpes gladiatorum?

What is eczema herpeticum?

What factors determine the severity of genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection?

Can primary genital herpes be caused by both herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2)?

What are the clinical features of genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection?

What are the clinical features of genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in women?

What are the clinical features of genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in men?

How long do ulcerative lesions of genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection last?

What symptoms precede an outbreak of recurrent genital herpes?

What are the symptoms of recurrent herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in women?

What are the symptoms of recurrent herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in men?

What percentage of primary genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are asymptomatic?

What are the physical findings of primary (first-episode) herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections?

What are the physical findings of recurrent herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection?

How is herpes simplex virus (HSV) transmitted?

DDX

What are the differential diagnoses for Herpes Simplex?

Workup

What role does tissue culture have in the diagnosis of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection?

What is the role of Tzanck smear in the diagnosis of herpes simplex virus (HSV)?

Is polymerase chain reaction (PCR) useful in the diagnosis of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection?

How is direct fluorescent antibody (immunofluorescence) used to diagnose herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection?

Is antibody testing useful in the diagnosis of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection?

Are imaging studies used to diagnose herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection?

How is Tzanck preparation performed for the diagnosis of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection?

Treatment

How is herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection treated?

What are the treatment options for acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections?

What are the treatment options for recurrent herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections?

When should consultations for herpes simplex virus (HSV) be considered?

Medications

Which medications in the drug class Antivirals are used in the treatment of Herpes Simplex?

Which medications in the drug class Viral helicase-primase inhibitor are used in the treatment of Herpes Simplex?