Herpes simplex

Lisa A. Spacek, M.D., Ph.D.
Herpes simplex is a topic covered in the Johns Hopkins HIV Guide.

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PATHOGENS

  • HSV-1 and HSV-2 are double-stranded, enveloped DNA viruses of the α-herpesviruses. Herpes from Greek "to creep".
  • Distributed worldwide. High rates of seroprevalence to HSV-1 by adulthood, seroprevalence of HSV-2 related to sexual activity.
    • 70% of those living with HIV are HSV-2 seropositive and 95% are HSV-1 or HSV-2 seropositive. HSV-2 increases risk of HIV acquisition and transmission.[3]
  • A chronic, life-long infection with acute episodes; establishes latency in sensory ganglia at site of initial mucocutaneous infection.

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PATHOGENS

  • HSV-1 and HSV-2 are double-stranded, enveloped DNA viruses of the α-herpesviruses. Herpes from Greek "to creep".
  • Distributed worldwide. High rates of seroprevalence to HSV-1 by adulthood, seroprevalence of HSV-2 related to sexual activity.
    • 70% of those living with HIV are HSV-2 seropositive and 95% are HSV-1 or HSV-2 seropositive. HSV-2 increases risk of HIV acquisition and transmission.[3]
  • A chronic, life-long infection with acute episodes; establishes latency in sensory ganglia at site of initial mucocutaneous infection.

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Last updated: September 3, 2021