Herpes simplex virus infection is caused by Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), Simplex viruses in the order Herpesvirales of dsDNA viruses. Humans are the only natural host and reservoir for the HSV virus. HSV are human neurotropic viruses that establish latent infection in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) for the entire life of the host. HSV infects the human host via mucosal surfaces or damaged skin, and most primary infections are asymptomatic. HSV-1 is mainly associated with orofacial lesions, yet it is also the cause of infectious blindness and viral encephalitis in adults. HSV-2 is mainly associated with genital lesions and neonatal encephalitis.
Category
Infectious disease
Brite
Infectious diseases [BR:br08401]
Viral infections
Infections caused by dsDNA viruses
H00365 Herpes simplex virus infection
Human diseases in ICD-11 classification [BR:br08403]
01 Certain infectious or parasitic diseases
Predominantly sexually transmitted infections
1A94 Anogenital herpes simplex infection
H00365 Herpes simplex virus infection
Viral infections characterised by skin or mucous membrane lesions
1F00 Herpes simplex infections
H00365 Herpes simplex virus infection