Herpes simplex virus type 1, or HSV-1, is the primary cause of infections in the mouth and around the lips. However, type 1 virus can cause genital herpes, as well. According to 2010 information from the University of Maryland Medical Center, HSV-1 is so common that as many as 90 percent of Americans carry the virus. Herpes is incurable once contracted and is likely to cause ongoing outbreaks. Certain HSV-1 infections cause serious complications for high risk individuals such as infants and those with weakened immune systems.
Pathogenesis of HSV-1
Pathogenesis refers to the origination and chain of events causing the herpes virus in the body. According to the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, HSV-1 infects the mucous membrane of skin cells then travels up the peripheral nerves, where it lays dormant until activated. A process called binding, when contact is made with protein rich connective tissues, initiates contraction of the virus. The virus then fuses to the outer layer of the skin cell, or plasma membrane, and releases proteins into the next layer and outer portion of the core of the cell, called the cytoplasm. HSV-1 synthesizes in a process called lysis, whereby breaking through to the nucleus of the cell and causing permanent infection.
Fluid Exchange
HSV-1 is transmitted through saliva and bodily fluids. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that common actions such as kissing, sharing eating utensils or engaging in oral sex with an infected person causes contraction of the virus. The virus is also passed through open mucous membranes, such as broken skin around the mouth or genital area. In the event of open blisters around the mouth or genital area, the virus is more susceptible to being passed. However, an infected person can pass HSV-1 to a non-infected person without the presence of open sores.
Reactivation
The herpes virus remains in a latent state, which means it is in the body, but not visible on the surface of the skin cells for easy contraction. The University of South Carolina School of Medicine explains that HSV-1 is latent more than activated; however, certain factors, inducing stress, can trigger an outbreak. Specific triggers for recurrence include exposure to sunlight, fever or compromised immune system functioning due to other medical illnesses. Additionally, hormone changes, such as those in pregnancy or during menstruation, as well as certain foods can reactive the virus. During virus activation, a non-infected person can contract HSV-1 through skin to skin contact.
