A Comprehensive Overview of Epidemiology, Pathogenesis and the Management of Herpes Labialis

Abstract

Herpes labialis remains exceedingly prevalent and is one of the most common human viral infections throughout the world. Recurrent herpes labialis evolves from the initial viral infection by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) which subsequently presents with or without symptoms. Reactivation of this virus is triggered by psychosocial factors such as stress, febrile environment, ultraviolet light susceptibility, or specific dietary inadequacy. This virus infection is also characterized by uninterrupted transitions between chronic-latent and acute-recurrent phases, allowing the virus to opportunistically avoid immunity and warrant the transmission to other vulnerable hosts simultaneously. This review comprehensively evaluates the current evidence on epidemiology, pathogenesis, transmission modes, clinical manifestations, and current management options of herpes labialis infections.

Atopic Disease as a Risk Factor for Recurrent Herpetic Keratitis

“…Interestingly, our results did not show a significant association between recurrent herpetic keratitis and other potential risk factors such as autoimmune disease, diabetes mellitus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and atopic dermatitis. HIV and autoimmune conditions (especially due to the immunomodulatory treatment they require) have been implicated as risk factors for dermatologic HSV infection and recurrence [ 41 ]. The lack of such an association of these conditions with ocular HSV recurrence suggests that atopic conjunctival disease may play a unique role in the development of recurrent HSV keratitis, possibly due to the direct involvement of the ocular surface in the inflammatory process and topical immunomodulating drugs which are often used in the management of atopic conjunctival disease.…”

CLEAR Strategy Inhibited HSV Proliferation Using Viral Vectors Delivered CRISPR-Cas9

“…Herpes cold sores caused by HSV-1 infection will occur repeatedly, which can be attributed to the lifelong persistent infection of the virus in the host [ 37 , 38 ]. This strategy is crucial for the survival of viruses because the entire life process of the host provides a repository for regular viral reactivation.…”

Common oral mucosal lesions

“…Primary HSV1 infec tion is often mild, subclinical and asymptomatic. (7) However, the infection may lead to herpetic gingivostomatitis, fever and pain af ter an incubation of approximately 1 week (220 days after contact).…”