Herpes Genitalis
Genital Diseases, Male
Herpes Simplex
Genital Diseases, Female
Ointments
Simplexvirus
Herpes Zoster
Herpesvirus 1, Human
Herpes Labialis
Association of major histocompatibility complex determinants with the development of symptomatic and asymptomatic genital herpes simplex virus type 2 infections. (1/910)
The clinical spectrum of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, ranging from asymptomatic to frequently distressing outbreaks, suggests that there may be immunologic determinants of disease severity that are associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) expression. A controlled, prospective study identified several major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II antigens whose frequencies are associated with HSV-2 infection or with frequent symptomatic genital recurrences. Previous studies were hampered by the inability to serologically identify patients with asymptomatic HSV-2 infection. Clinical evaluation and Western blot assay were used to identify 3 subject cohorts: 1 with no prior HSV infections, 1 with HSV-2 antibodies but no recognized symptoms, and 1 with HSV-2 antibodies and frequent genital recurrences. Statistical comparisons of HLA frequencies among these cohorts showed associations of HLA-B27 and -Cw2 with symptomatic disease. Also, HLA-Cw4 was significantly associated with HSV-2 infection. These associations indicate that immunologic factors linked to the MHC influence the risk of HSV-2 infection and disease expression. (+info)Control of STDs--the role of prophylactic vaccines against herpes simplex virus. (2/910)
OBJECTIVES: To summarise the current status of genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) vaccine development and provide a discussion of the potential benefits and limitations of genital herpes vaccines. METHODS: Literature review. RESULTS: Genital herpes simplex virus infection has a complex pathogenesis that has contributed to it becoming a serious worldwide problem. In an attempt to control the problem five different types of genital herpes vaccines have been developed. These include inactivated virion derived vaccines, adjuvanted subunit vaccines, vectored vaccines, replication limited live viral vaccines, genetically attenuated live viral vaccines, and nucleic acid vaccines. While available commercially in some parts of the world, inactivated virion derived vaccines have not been proved effective. Of the others, adjuvanted subunit vaccines, replication limited live viral vaccines, and nucleic acid vaccines are currently in clinical trials and vectored vaccines and genetically attenuated live viral vaccines are in preclinical development. CONCLUSION: With regard to HSV vaccines in general, it is reasonable to expect that the newer vaccines may protect the individual from developing symptomatic genital herpes but may not protect against asymptomatic viral infection. With widespread use HSV vaccines might help to prevent the spread of genital herpes. (+info)Comparison between virus isolation method, Papanicolaou stain, immunoperoxidase stain and polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of genital herpes. (3/910)
Papanicolaou (Pap) stain, immunoperoxidase (IP) stain and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were evaluated against the virus isolation method for their sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in 96 women who were suspected of genital herpes. The result showed that the sensitivity of PCR, IP and Pap stain was 100, 92.0 and 62.7%, respectively, while the specificity was 76.2, 66.7 and 81.0%, respectively. PCR was even more sensitive than the virus isolation technique. As Pap stain is the technique routinely performed for diagnosing genital herpes in most of the hospitals in Thailand, its low sensitivity should be taken into consideration. Based on the investigation by all four techniques together, HSV infection was diagnosed in 91.6% of the cases suspected of genital herpes which reflected higher precision of the clinical diagnosis over Pap stain. (+info)Development of a high-throughput quantitative assay for detecting herpes simplex virus DNA in clinical samples. (4/910)
We have developed a high-throughput, semiautomated, quantitative fluorescence-based PCR assay to detect and type herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA in clinical samples. The detection assay, which uses primers to the type-common region of HSV glycoprotein B (gB), was linear from <10 to 10(8) copies of HSV DNA/20 microl of sample. Among duplicate samples in reproducibility runs, the assay showed less than 5% variability. We compared the fluorescence-based PCR assay with culture and gel-based liquid hybridization system with 335 genital tract specimens from HSV type 2 (HSV-2)-seropositive persons attending a research clinic and 380 consecutive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples submitted to a diagnostic virology laboratory. Among the 162 culture-positive genital tract specimens, TaqMan PCR was positive for 157 (97%) specimens, whereas the quantitative-competitive PCR was positive for 144 (89%) specimens. Comparisons of the mean titer of HSV DNA detected by the two assays revealed that the mean titer detected by the gel-based system was slightly higher (median, 1 log). These differences in titers were in part related to the fivefold difference in the amount of HSV DNA used in the amplicon standards with the two assays. Among the 380 CSF samples, 42 were positive by both assays, 13 were positive only by the assay with the agarose gel, and 3 were positive only by the assay with the fluorescent probe. To define the subtype of HSV DNA detected in the screening assay, we also designed one set of primers which amplifies the gG regions of both types of HSV and probes which are specific to either HSV-1 (gG1) or HSV-2 (gG2). These probes were labeled with different fluorescent dyes (6-carboxyfluorescein for gG2 and 6-hexachlorofluorescein for gG1) to enable detection in a single PCR. In mixing experiments the probes discriminated the correct subtype in mixtures with up to a 7-log-higher concentration of the opposite subtype. The PCR typing results showed 100% concordance with the results obtained by assays with monoclonal antibodies against HSV-1 or HSV-2. Thus, while the real-time PCR is slightly less sensitive than the gel-based liquid hybridization system, the high throughput, the lack of contamination during processing, the better reproducibility, and the better ability to type the isolates rapidly make the real-time PCR a valuable tool for clinical investigation and diagnosis of HSV infection. (+info)Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus-type 2 in African-American college women. (5/910)
This study examines the relationship between sexual behaviors and prevalence of herpes simplex virus-type 2 (HSV-2) among African-American college women. Subjects (n = 138) were recruited randomly from a state university to participate in a study regarding sexual attitudes and behaviors and to have their blood drawn for type-specific HSV seroprevalence. Sera were analyzed for 96 college women with a mean age of 21 years. Of the 96 women, 29 (30%) were HSV-2 seropositive. The results of this study revealed that a history of sexually transmitted disease was predictive of HSV-2 infection. Number of lifetime partners, however, was not related to HSV-2 seropositivity. Four (31%) of the 13 women who reported only one lifetime partner were seropositive. These findings indicate that for young African-American college women, the risk of being infected with HSV-2 is high even with only one lifetime partner. Behavioral strategies focused on decreasing the number of sexual partners are not likely to be sufficient in preventing the spread of HSV-2 infection among young African-American women. The development and use of alternative approaches to prevent the spread of HSV-2 among young African Americans should be considered. (+info)The epidemiology of neonatal herpes simplex virus infections in California from 1985 to 1995. (6/910)
Comprehensive hospital discharge data completed by the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development was used to determine whether the proportion of infants +info)The topical microbicide PRO 2000 protects against genital herpes infection in a mouse model. (7/910)
Vaginal gel formulations containing the naphthalene sulfonate polymer PRO 2000 are being developed as topical microbicides to protect against infection with sexually transmitted disease (STD) pathogens. A mouse model was used to determine whether PRO 2000 could protect against genital herpes in vivo. Animals received a single intravaginal application of 15 microL of a 10% PRO 2000 aqueous solution or a 4.0% or 0.5% PRO 2000 vaginal gel formulation 20 s prior to intravaginal challenge with 4.0 log10 pfu of herpes simplex virus type 2. Treatment with the 4.0% gel provided complete protection against infection; treatment with the 0.5% gel or 10% solution provided 81% and 80% protection, respectively. Furthermore, the 4% gel provided significant protection even when viral challenge was delayed until 60 min after treatment. This is the first report to show that PRO 2000 can protect against infection with an STD pathogen in vivo. (+info)Immunization against genital herpes with a vaccine virus that has defects in productive and latent infection. (8/910)
An effective vaccine for genital herpes has been difficult to achieve because of the limited efficacy of subunit vaccines and the safety concerns about live viruses. As an alternative approach, mutant herpes simplex virus strains that are replication-defective can induce protective immunity. To increase the level of safety and to prove that replication was not needed for immunization, we constructed a mutant herpes simplex virus 2 strain containing two deletion mutations, each of which eliminated viral replication. The double-mutant virus induces protective immunity that can reduce acute viral shedding and latent infection in a mouse genital model, but importantly, the double-mutant virus shows a phenotypic defect in latent infection. This herpes vaccine strain, which is immunogenic but has defects in both productive and latent infection, provides a paradigm for the design of vaccines and vaccine vectors for other sexually transmitted diseases, such as AIDS. (+info)Herpes genitalis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), specifically HSV-2, and occasionally HSV-1. It primarily affects the genital area, but can also involve the anal region, thighs, and buttocks. The infection presents as painful fluid-filled blisters or lesions that may be accompanied by symptoms such as itching, tingling, or burning sensations in the affected area. After the initial outbreak, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate periodically, causing recurrent episodes of genital herpes. It's important to note that while there is no cure for herpes genitalis, antiviral medications can help manage symptoms and reduce transmission risks.
Genital diseases in males refer to various medical conditions that affect the male reproductive and urinary systems, including the penis, testicles, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate, and urethra. These conditions can be infectious, inflammatory, degenerative, or neoplastic (cancerous) in nature. Some common examples of male genital diseases include:
1. Balanitis: Inflammation of the foreskin and glans penis, often caused by infection, irritants, or poor hygiene.
2. Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland, which can be acute or chronic, bacterial or non-bacterial in origin.
3. Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis, a coiled tube at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm. It is often caused by infection.
4. Orchitis: Inflammation of the testicle, usually resulting from infection or autoimmune disorders.
5. Testicular torsion: A surgical emergency characterized by twisting of the spermatic cord, leading to reduced blood flow and potential tissue damage in the testicle.
6. Varicocele: Dilated veins in the scrotum that can cause pain, discomfort, or fertility issues.
7. Peyronie's disease: A connective tissue disorder causing scarring and curvature of the penis during erections.
8. Penile cancer: Malignant growths on the penis, often squamous cell carcinomas, which can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.
9. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can cause lower urinary tract symptoms such as difficulty initiating or maintaining a steady stream of urine.
10. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Infectious diseases, like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and human papillomavirus (HPV), that can be transmitted through sexual contact and affect the male genital region.
Herpes Simplex is a viral infection caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both types can cause sores or blisters on the skin or mucous membranes, but HSV-1 is typically associated with oral herpes (cold sores) and HSV-2 is usually linked to genital herpes. However, either type can infect any area of the body. The virus remains in the body for life and can reactivate periodically, causing recurrent outbreaks of lesions or blisters. It is transmitted through direct contact with infected skin or mucous membranes, such as during kissing or sexual activity.
Genital diseases in females refer to various medical conditions that affect the female reproductive system, including the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries. These conditions can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, hormonal imbalances, or structural abnormalities. Some common examples of genital diseases in females include bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and human papillomavirus (HPV), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and vulvar or vaginal cancer. Symptoms of genital diseases in females can vary widely depending on the specific condition but may include abnormal vaginal discharge, pain or discomfort during sex, irregular menstrual bleeding, painful urination, and pelvic pain. It is important for women to receive regular gynecological care and screenings to detect and treat genital diseases early and prevent complications.
An ointment is a semi-solid preparation, typically composed of a mixture of medicinal substance with a base, which is usually greasy or oily. The purpose of the base is to act as a vehicle for the active ingredient and allow it to be applied smoothly and evenly to the skin or mucous membranes.
Ointments are commonly used in dermatology to treat various skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rashes, burns, and wounds. They can also be used to deliver medication for localized pain relief, muscle relaxation, and anti-inflammatory or antibiotic effects.
The base of an ointment may consist of various ingredients, including petrolatum, lanolin, mineral oil, beeswax, or a combination of these. The choice of the base depends on the desired properties such as consistency, spreadability, and stability, as well as the intended route of administration and the specific therapeutic goals.
Simplexvirus is a genus of viruses in the family Herpesviridae, subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae. This genus contains two species: Human alphaherpesvirus 1 (also known as HSV-1 or herpes simplex virus type 1) and Human alphaherpesvirus 2 (also known as HSV-2 or herpes simplex virus type 2). These viruses are responsible for causing various medical conditions, most commonly oral and genital herpes. They are characterized by their ability to establish lifelong latency in the nervous system and reactivate periodically to cause recurrent symptoms.
Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. It's caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. After you recover from chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in your nerve cells and can reactivate later in life as herpes zoster.
The hallmark symptom of herpes zoster is a unilateral, vesicular rash that occurs in a dermatomal distribution, which means it follows the path of a specific nerve. The rash usually affects one side of the body and can wrap around either the left or right side of your torso.
Before the rash appears, you may experience symptoms such as pain, tingling, or itching in the area where the rash will develop. Other possible symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle weakness. The rash typically scabs over and heals within two to four weeks, but some people may continue to experience pain in the affected area for months or even years after the rash has healed. This is known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).
Herpes zoster is most common in older adults and people with weakened immune systems, although anyone who has had chickenpox can develop the condition. It's important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have herpes zoster, as early treatment with antiviral medications can help reduce the severity and duration of the rash and lower your risk of developing complications such as PHN.
Recurrence, in a medical context, refers to the return of symptoms or signs of a disease after a period of improvement or remission. It indicates that the condition has not been fully eradicated and may require further treatment. Recurrence is often used to describe situations where a disease such as cancer comes back after initial treatment, but it can also apply to other medical conditions. The likelihood of recurrence varies depending on the type of disease and individual patient factors.
Medical Definition of "Herpesvirus 1, Human" (also known as Human Herpesvirus 1 or HHV-1):
Herpesvirus 1, Human is a type of herpesvirus that primarily causes infection in humans. It is also commonly referred to as human herpesvirus 1 (HHV-1) or oral herpes. This virus is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with infected saliva, skin, or mucous membranes.
After initial infection, the virus typically remains dormant in the body's nerve cells and may reactivate later, causing recurrent symptoms. The most common manifestation of HHV-1 infection is oral herpes, characterized by cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth and lips. In some cases, HHV-1 can also cause other conditions such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and keratitis (inflammation of the eye's cornea).
There is no cure for HHV-1 infection, but antiviral medications can help manage symptoms and reduce the severity and frequency of recurrent outbreaks.
Herpes labialis, also known as cold sores or fever blisters, is a common viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). It typically affects the lips, mouth, and surrounding skin. The infection causes small, painful, fluid-filled blisters that can be accompanied by symptoms such as tingling, burning, or itching in the area before the blisters appear. After the blisters break, they leave behind painful ulcers that eventually crust over and heal within 2-3 weeks.
The virus is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with infected saliva, skin lesions, or objects contaminated with the virus. Once a person becomes infected with HSV-1, the virus remains dormant in the nervous system and can reactivate periodically due to various triggers like stress, fatigue, illness, or sun exposure, leading to recurrent outbreaks of herpes labialis.
Medical Definition of "Herpesvirus 2, Human" (also known as Human Herpesvirus 2 or HHV-2):
Herpesvirus 2, Human is a double-stranded DNA virus that belongs to the Herpesviridae family. It is one of the eight herpesviruses known to infect humans. HHV-2 is the primary cause of genital herpes, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that affects the mucosal surfaces and skin around the genitals, rectum, or mouth.
The virus is typically transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person, and it can also be spread from mother to child during childbirth if the mother has active genital lesions. After initial infection, HHV-2 establishes latency in the sacral ganglia (a collection of nerve cells at the base of the spine) and may reactivate periodically, leading to recurrent outbreaks of genital herpes.
During both primary and recurrent infections, HHV-2 can cause painful blisters or ulcers on the skin or mucous membranes, as well as flu-like symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, and body aches. While there is no cure for genital herpes, antiviral medications can help manage symptoms, reduce outbreak frequency, and lower the risk of transmission to sexual partners.
It's important to note that HHV-2 infection can sometimes be asymptomatic or cause mild symptoms that go unnoticed, making it difficult to determine the exact prevalence of the virus in the population. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 491 million people worldwide aged 15 years and older have HSV-2 infection, with a higher prevalence in women than men.