Herpes is caused by Herpes simplex virus (HSV).HSV-1causes orofacial and genital infections.HSV-2 causes primarily genital infections. In the U.S.HSV-1 is more prevalent than HSV-2, and HSV-2 is predominant among American African, and women. Initial HSV infection is often subclinical. Viral replication occurs in ganglia, virus spreads to other mucosal surfaces through peripheral sensory nerves. Clinical manifestation include, skin and mucosal infection, orofacial herpes, genital herpes, herpetic whitlow, herpes encephalitis, neonatal herpes acquired at the time of delivery, although rare but serious condition and herpes keratitis damage the eyes. Diagnostic tests include, culture, antibodies detection, skin biopsy, and PCR for presence of viral DNA.Topical anesthetic treatment to relieve itching and pain. Antiviral drugs such as acyclovir,valaciclivir and famiciclovir are effective. Antiviral for herpes suppressive therapy is recommended during the last months of pregnancy. Recurrent outbreaks are common and vary between individuals; genetics play a role in the frequency of cold sore outbreaks. Development of a drug to block the microRNA whose job is it to suppress HSV-1 into latency, may prevent the outbreaks. Prevention with antiviral medication in conjunction with a condom.
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