Herpes simplex viruses: HSV-1 and HSV-2
HSV-1 herpes labialis Acquired before 6.
HSV-2 herpes genitalis Acquired after sex.
Biologically, HSV-1 and HSV-2 are “kissing cousins”
- HSV-1 and -2 usually cause asymptomatic infections!!
- HSV-1 and -2 spread by direct contact (NO epidemic spread)
- HSV-1 and HSV-2 take up residence in peripheral nerves (for life).
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HSV-1 and HSV-2 so similar that NO functional differences are known.
- Essentially two subpopulations of the same virus.