Risk factors for herpes simplex virus type-1 infection and reactivation: Cross-sectional studies among EPIC-Norfolk participants

Abstract

Background The prevalence of, and risk factors for, herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) infection and reactivation in older individuals are poorly understood. Methods This is a prospective population-based study among community-dwelling individuals aged 40–79 years, followed from 1993, formed as a random subsample of the UK-based EPIC-Norfolk cohort. HSV-1 seropositivity was derived from immunoglobulin G measurements and frequent oro-labial HSV reactivation was self-reported. We carried out two cross-sectional studies using logistic regression to investigate childhood social and environmental conditions as risk factors for HSV-1 seropositivity and comorbidities as risk factors for apparent HSV oro-labial reactivation. Results Of 9,929 participants, 6310 (63.6%) were HSV-1 IgG positive, and 870 (of 4,934 seropositive participants with reactivation data) experienced frequent oro-labial reactivation. Being born outside the UK/Ireland, contemporaneous urban living and having ≥4 siblings were risk factors for HSV-1 seropositivity. Ever diagnosed with kidney disease, but no other comorbidities, was associated with an increased risk of frequent HSV reactivation (adjOR 1.87, 95%CI: 1.02–3.40). Discussion Apparent HSV-1 seropositivity and clinical reactivation are common within an ageing UK population. HSV-1 seropositivity is socially patterned while risk factors for oro-labial HSV reactivation are less clear. Further large studies of risk factors are needed to inform HSV-1 control strategies.

Dementia and cognitive impairment in adults as sequels of HSV-1-related encephalitis: a review

“…The female seropositive portion (64.2%), between the age group of 50-59, had higher HSV-1 infection and the highest reactivation rates, whose values were 59.2 and 20.4%, respectively. 28 This result is in accordance with the data from previous studies. 29,30 Regardless of whether individual show symptoms after infection with HSV, the life-long infection with the virus implicates metabolic alterations in neuronal cells, increasing pathological mechanisms in the body and brain of some infected hosts.…”

Association of Viral Infections With Oral Cavity Lesions: Role of SARS-CoV-2 Infection

“…Nevertheless, as reported by Martín Carreras-Presas et al ( 10 ) and Hedou et al ( 74 ), ulcers or vesiculobullous lesions can occur as in other viral infections. It is largely documented that high levels of fatigue and stress can increase the risk of the reactivation of HSV ( 75 ).…”

Oral lesions in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2: a case series

“…According to Forbes et al (2019), risks of reactivation of Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1) may increase when the patient is subjected to high levels of fatigue and stress, which may, perhaps, have occurred due to the presence of herpetiform lesions in patients referring to clinical cases 1, 4 and 5, where lymphopenia was also observed in the hemogram.…”