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.
