The Herpesviridae family of viruses includes several strains that commonly infect humans, including herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2, varicella-zoster virus and Epstein-Barr virus. All herpesvirus infections are lifelong, that is, once the virus enters the body, it is present for life. As such, several herpesviruses can cause recurrent illness each time the virus transitions from an inactive state to a reactivated form.
Herpes Simplex Viruses 1 and 2
Herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2, or HSV-1 and HSV-2, commonly cause infections of the skin and mucous membranes--the moist internal body surfaces that communicate with the external environment. Although HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections were once thought to occur strictly "above the waist" and "below the waist," respectively, either of the herpes simplex viruses can infect any of the common sites. "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals" reports that the most common sites of HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections include the mouth, lips, eyes, genitals and anus. Herpes simplex infections typically cause painful superficial blisters.
Initial infection with HSV can cause oral herpes, also known as herpes gingivostomatitis. Herpes labialis, better known as cold sores, represents another form of herpes simplex virus infection. Periodic HSV reactivation in the skin of the lips leads to recurrent cold sores. Herpes eye infections, or herpes keratitis, typically cause painful eye inflammation, which may lead to ulceration and scarring of the eye surface. As with cold sores, herpes eye infections tend to recur. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, reports that recurrent blisters commonly occur among those who experience skin lesions at the time of initial HSV genital infection. Notably, many people with genital herpes do not develop skin lesions, but can still transmit the virus to others.
Varicella-Zoster Virus
Initial infection with the varicella-zoster virus causes chickenpox. Typical symptoms include fever and successive crops of an itchy, blistering skin rash. Uncommonly, the virus spreads to the brain, which may be life threatening in adults and children with a weakened immune system. Reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, usually occurring in late adulthood, causes shingles, or herpes zoster. As noted in the medical reference text "Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases," herpes zoster causes a localized, painful, blistering rash limited to one side of the body, most commonly on the trunk or back. Shingles of the face may involve the eye or ear, potentially causing long-term complications in these sensitive organs.
Epstein-Barr Virus
According to the CDC, Epstein-Barr virus remains one of the most common of all human viruses. Many people contract the virus in early childhood without becoming symptomatic. Epstein-Barr virus infection during adolescence and young adulthood leads to infectious mononucleosis in approximately 35 to 50 percent of those affected, notes CDC. Typical symptoms of infectious mononucleosis include sore throat, swollen lymph glands, fever and profound fatigue. Fever typically persists for 10 to 14 days. Uncommonly, liver and spleen inflammation occur. Complications prove uncommon.
References
- "Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, Sixth Edition"; Gerald L. Mandell, M.D., et al., Editors; 2004
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Genital Herpes Fact Sheet
- Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals: Herpes Simplex Virus Infections
- EyeSmart: Herpes Keratitis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pink Book: Varicella
