Definition
Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) are the two strains of the herpes family, Herpesviridae, which infect man and especially the oral cavity or genitals. Generally, HSV-1 gives rise to infections “above the waist” and HSV-2 “below the waist.” Both types are neurotropic.
Most primary HSV infections are acquired through direct contact with a lesion or with infected body fluids, especially saliva. Asymptomatic shedding occurs principally in the prodrome phase of the primary disease.
Clinically, the oral HSV-1-infection presents as gingivostomatitis. Most primary infections in children are mild to symptomatic, with in only 10/20 % very mild symptoms and arise after an incubation period of 2–20 days. The oral lesions may be accompanied by pyrexia, lethargy, loss of appetite, hypersalivation, and cervical lymphadenopathy. Due to difficulty in maintaining good oral hygiene, there can be oral malodour and a coated tongue.
Oral HSV-2 infection can be seen in...
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References and Further Reading
Arduino, P. G., & Porter, S. R. (2006). Oral and perioral herpes simplex virus type I (HSV-1) infection: Review of its management. Oral Diseases, 12, 254–270.
Arduino, P. G., & Porter, S. R. (2008). Herpes simplex virus type I infection: overview on relevant clinico-pathological features. Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine, 37, 107–121.
Elad, S., Zadik, Y., Hewson, I., Hovan, A., Correa, M. E. P., Logan, R., Elting, L. S., et al. (2010). A systematic review of viral infections associated with oral involvement in cancer patients: A spotlight on Herpesviridae. Supportive Care in Cancer, 18, 993–1006.
Kolokotronis, A., & Doumas, S. (2006). Herpes simplex virus infection, with particular reference to the progression and complication of herpetic gingivostomatitis. Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 12, 202–211.
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© 2016 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
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van der Wal, J.E. (2016). Herpes Simplex. In: Slootweg, P.J. (eds) Dental and Oral Pathology. Encyclopedia of Pathology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-28085-1_729
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-28085-1_729
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