The diagnosis and management of oral herpes simplex infection

Abstract

Acute herpetic gingivostomatitis and recurrent herpes labialis are the most common manifestations of infection with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). In primary and recrudescent HSV-associated disease, the symptoms may range from subclinical to debilitating and life-threatening, depending on the host's immune responses or competence level. In this paper, the typical and atypical manifestations, and the current diagnostic and treatment options for localized, non-complicated oro-labial HSV infection are reviewed, with attention to cumulative evidence for the efficacy and safety of systemic antiviral agents. Some recent data on HSV-1 seroprevalence, viremia, and viral shedding are discussed in relation to disease transmission and global importance of herpesvirus disease.

The Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 BgKLVariant, Unlike the BgOLVariant, Shows a Higher Association with Orolabial Infection than with Infections at Other Sites, Supporting the Variant-Dispersion-Replacement Hypothesis

“…Third, primary HSV-1 infections usually occur in young children in Japan (21,44), and the mouth and lips are the most commonly infected sites, with gingivostomatitis being the main manifestation (2,3,16,39). Primary infection in young adults is often detected as pharyngitis (12,35,39).…”

Cellular MicroRNAs 498 and 320d Regulate Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Induction of Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Lytic Replication by Targeting RTA

“…Coinfection of HSV-1 and KSHV were frequently detected in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or KS patients, recurrent aphthous ulceration patients, and even in healthy individuals [12]–[16]. Although HSV-1 and KSHV are not found in similar anatomic compartments during their latent infection, frequent reactivation of latent HSV-1 occurred in AIDS or AIDS-KS patients, leading to appearance of HSV-1 viraemia [17]. Viraemia is not only present in immunocompromised individuals, but also in immunocompetent individuals [18]–[21].…”

Induction of lytic cycle replication of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus by herpes simplex virus type 1: involvement of IL-10 and IL-4

“…On the other hand, HSV‐1 could also infect B cells and human vascular endothelial cells, the precursor of KS (Key et al ., 1990; Lamontagne and Jolicoeur, 1994). Although HSV‐1 and KSHV are not found in similar anatomic compartments during their latent infection, frequent reactivation of latent HSV‐1 occurred in AIDS or AIDS‐KS patients, leading to appearance of HSV‐1 viraemia (Birek and Ficarra, 2006). Viraemia is not only present in the peripheral blood of immunocompromised adults and in neonates, but also during primary herpetic gingivostomatitis in immunocompetent children at the relatively high frequency of 34%, as tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (Harel et al ., 2004).…”