Herpes Facts - By: John Bogut

Herpes simplex, commonly known as “herpes”, is a viral disease caused by both the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and the herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). Herpes infections can be categorized into several forms based on the site of infection. Oral herpes have visible symptoms of infection found in the face or mouth, which are often referred to as cold sores. It is the most common infection form of herpes. Genital herpes, which is the one often associated with the term “herpes”, is the second most common form of herpes. As indicated by its name, the visible symptoms are found on the genitals and the area around it. Herpes simplex viruses could also cause other disorders such herpetic whitlow, herpes gladiatorum, ocular herpes, cerebral herpes infection encephalitis, neonatal herpes, Mollaret’s meningitis, and possibly Bell’s palsy.

Herpes virus cycles between periods of active and inactive stages. The active stage presents itself as blisters containing infectious virus particles. The inactive stage or also called the remission period, is indicated by the disappearance of the sores. In genital herpes, however, it is often asymptomatic, meaning there are no symptoms. It seems to be always on its inactive stage but the reality is it still cycles between the stages. The active stage occurs with viral shedding. After initial infection, the virus moves to sensory nerves where they stay as life-long, latent virus. Causes of recurrence are uncertain although some of the potential triggers have been determined. Also, over time, episodes of the active stage reduce in severity and frequency.

Herpes simplex is mostly transmitted by direct contact with a body fluid or a lesion of an infected individual. Transmission could also occur with a simple skin to skin contact with the infected site.
HSV infections cause several distinct medical disorders. Common infection of the skin or mucosa may affect the face and mouth, genitalia, or hands. Severe infections could even affect the eyes, central nervous system, including the brain. Patients with immature or suppressed immune system are prone to severe complications from HSV infections. HSV infections are also associated with bipolar disorder and Alzheimer’s disease.

In all cases or forms of HSV infection, HSV is never removed from the body by the immune system. The virus simply enters the nerves at the site of infection and migrates to the cell body of the neuron and becomes latent in the ganglion.

Oral herpes is the most easily diagnosed and clinically examined. The appearance and distribution of sores is generally presented as multiple, round, superficial oral ulcers, with acute gingivitis. Genital herpes and other asymptomatic herpes are harder to diagnose. Laboratory testing is often the solution for diagnosing such cases. Laboratory tests include: virus culture, direct fluorescent antibody, skin biopsy, and polymerase chain reaction to test for the presence of viral DNA. Such tests are highly specific and sensitive making their costs high and time constraints longer.

There is also no cure for herpes simplex as of the moment. That’s why early detection is a must. Always get yourself tested at nearby STD testing centers to detect the disease while it is still early.

About the Author

John Bogut
A STD Symptoms Specialist
Learn more about STD Symptoms and Detection Testing

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