Over 80 known forms of the herpes viruses exist.
Out of these 80 strains of the herpes virus, 8 are known to cause disease in humans, the Human Herpes Virus HHV. The most common being Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2. The herpes virus causes or is associated with a whole spectrum of diseases ranging from infectious mononucleosis to malignancies and mental retardation and have the ability to cause more than one kind of disease.
Human Herpes Viruses HHV
Herpes Zoster (Varicella-Zoster virus)
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
HSV-1 and HSV-2 look identical under the microscope, and either type can infect the mouth or genitals. HSV-1 usually occurs above the waist, and HSV-2 below the waist.
Herpes Simplex Virus 1
Also known as: cold sores – herpes labalis – oral herpes – fever blisters
- primarily affects the mouth and facial area
- affects the skin and mucous membranes
- is transmitted by oral and respiratory secretions
- It is estimated 80% of people have HSV1
The virus produces highly infectious open sores that crust over before healing. Although less probable, HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes. Cold Sore Photos , herpes labalis photos
Herpes Simplex Virus 2
Also known as: HSV2 – Genital herpes – Herpes genitalis
- primarily affects the genital area
- Is generally a more virulent form of the virus
- is transmitted by sexual contact, with cross-infection possible from oral to genital sex
Approximately 85% of all HSV infections are sub-clinical, the others produce localized lesions and systemic reactions.
After the first infection of both HSV1 & HSV2, a patient is susceptible to recurrent infections brought on by:
- impaired immune system functioning
- fever
- heat and/or cold
- menses
- stress
Detailed information on herpes outbreak triggers and how to avoid them.
In recurrent infections there may be no constitutional signs and symptoms. Genital Herpes occurs equally in males and females.
Herpes Zoster
Shingles – varicella-zoster
Herpes Zoster (Shingles) is an acute unilateral and segmental inflammation of the dorsal root ganglia caused by infection with the herpes virus, varicella-zoster, which also causes chicken pox.
Herpes Zoster usually occurs in adults producing:
- localized vesicular skin lesions confined to a dermatome
- severe neuralgic pain in peripheral areas especially the nerves arising in the inflamed root ganglia
Prognosis
Unless the infection spreads to the brain eventually most patients recover completely, except for possible scarring and, in corneal damage, visual impairment. However, in some cases neuralgia may persist for months or years.
Herpes zoster results from reactivation of the varicella virus that has lain dormant in the cerebral ganglia or the ganglia of posterior nerve roots after infection from chicken pox.
The virus is thought to multiply as it is reactivated and is neutralized by antibodies remaining from the initial infection. However, the virus continues to multiply in the ganglia, destroys the host neuron, and spreads down the sensory nerves to the skin if effective antibodies are not present.
Herpes zoster is found primarily in adults over 50 and seldom recurs.
Onset of herpes zoster is characterized by:
- fever
- malaise
Within 2-4 days, severe deep, continuous pain may develop
Other herpes zoster symptoms may include:
- hyperesthesia (abnormally increased sensitivity to stimuli)
- paresthesia (an abnormal or perverted sensation, such as burning or tingling due to disorder of the sensory nervous system)
- pruritus (itching)
Shingles usually occurs on the trunk of the body and occasionally on the arms and legs lasting from 1-4 weeks. Small red nodular skin lesions can continue to erupt on the painful areas up to 2 weeks after the first symptoms. Herpes Zoster Photos
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Human Cytomegalovirus
Infection by the cytomegalovirus (DNA, ether sensitive virus belonging to the herpes family) occurs worldwide and is transmitted by human contact.
About 4 out of 5 people over the age of 35 have been infected with cytomegalovirus usually during childhood or early adulthood. In most of these people, the disease is so mild that it is sometimes overlooked.
CMV infection during pregnancy can be hazardous to the fetus, possibly leading to:
- brain damage
- neonatal illness.
- other birth defects
- stillbirth
Cytomegalovirus has been found in:
- blood
- breast milk
- cervical secretions
- feces
- saliva
- semen
- urine
- vaginal secretions
Transmission usually occurs through contact with the infected secretions, which may harbour the virus for months or even years.
Immunodeficient patients
AIDS patients or those who have received transplanted organs are a high risk for contracting CMV infection. Immunodeficient patients and those receiving immuno-suppressives may develop pneumonia or other secondary infections.
Recipients of blood transfusions
Recipients of blood transfusions from donors with positive CMV antibodies are at some risk.
Cytomegalovirus is thought to be spread through the body in lymphocytes or mononuclear cells to the lungs, liver, and central nervous system where it often produces inflammatory reactions. The disease usually runs a self-limiting course.
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
Infectious mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis is an acute infectious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a member of the herpes group which usually affects young adults and children.
Infectious mononucleosis produces:
- an increase in lymphocytes and monocytes
- cervical lymphodenopathy
- development of heterophil antibodies
- fatigue
- fever
- headaches
- hepatic dysfunction
- malaise
- sore throat
- temperature fluctuations
Recovery prospects are excellent.
Other infectious diseases with symptoms similar to mononucleosis include:
- Cervical lymphodenopathy
- Hepatitis
- Rubella
- Toxoplasmosis
Symptoms usually subside about 6-10 days after onset of the disease but may persist for weeks.
HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause other diseases including:
Herpes Simplex Encephalitis
- A rare but potentially fatal herpetic infection of the brain.
Neonatal Herpes
- A rare but potentially severe HSV infection in a newborn.
- Is caused by transmission of the virus from mother to baby during delivery.
Herpes Whitlow
- A HSV infection of the finger.
- Caused from transfer of the infection from another part of the body or from direct contact with another.
- Is more prevalent amongst health care workers.
- Herpes whitlow photos
Herpes Keratitis
- An HSV infection of the eye.
- Can cause blindness.
Herpes Gladiatorum
- A HSV infection, usually of the skin, acquired during wrestling.
- Skin can become abraded or scraped, during a wrestling match, allowing a herpes virus to enter the body and establish an infection.