Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

Infectious Disease

Overview

Definition

Viral infection causing oral or genital sores.

Epidemiology

HSV-1 affects majority of global population; HSV-2 affects ~10-20%.

Etiology & Risk Factors

  • HSV-1 (oral-to-oral), HSV-2 (sexual contact)

Clinical Symptoms

  • Painful, grouped vesicular lesions on an erythematous base
  • Prodromal tingling

Clinical Approach

Diagnosis

  • Clinical diagnosis
  • PCR of lesion
  • Tzanck smear (multinucleated giant cells)

Management

  • Acyclovir
  • Valacyclovir
  • Famciclovir

Complications

  • HSV Encephalitis
  • Neonatal herpes
  • Keratitis