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Herpes simplex

Definition:

Herpes simplex is an infection that mainly affects the mouth or genital area.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

There are two different strains of herpes simplex viruses:

A finger infection, called herpetic whitlow, is another form of herpes. It usually affects health care providers who are exposed to saliva during procedures. Sometimes, young children also can get the disease.

The herpes virus can infect the fetus and cause abnormalities. A mother who is infected with herpes may transmit the virus to her newborn during vaginal delivery, especially if the mother has an active infection at the time of delivery.

It's possible for the virus to be transmitted even when there are no symptoms or visible sores.

References:

Workowski KA, Berman SM. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2006. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep . August 4, 2006;55(RR-11):1-94.

Stoopler ET. Oral herpetic infections (HSV 1-8). Dent Clin North Am . 2005 Jan;49(1):15-29, vii.

Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone; 2000.

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