Herpes Simplex Virus|Cause of Herpes.

Herpes is a Sexually Transmitted  Disease (STD, in short) which is caused by Herpes Simplex Virus or HSV. It is transmitted by an infected  person to his/her partner mainly through sexual contact including oral sex. Do read What is Herpes to get the basic idea of what herpes is.The herpes virus is present in the saliva or genital secretions of the infected person even when he or she is asymptomatic (without symptoms).

What causes Herpes|How do you get Herpes.

The Herpes Simplex Virus, which causes Herpes is of two types:

1)      Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 or HSV Type 1.

2)      Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 or HSV Type 2.

picture of herpes virus

1) Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV Type 1).

It is also referred to as oral herpes virus or Herpes Virus 1.

• HSV Type 1 is responsible for oral herpes which manifests as fever blisters or cold sores in the mouth, gums, on the lips and areas around the mouth. It can even cause infection of the conjunctiva and cornea of the eye (ocular herpes).
• Though HSV type 1 causes oral herpes, it is also known to cause genital herpes. Read the Symptoms of Herpes to identify them.
• HSV Type 1 is transmitted through the saliva or respiratory secretions of the infected person. (for example through kissing).
• The HSV Type 1 stays dormant during remission of infection, in the neural ganglia of the trigeminal nerve throughout life. This is the nerve which supplies the area of the face. Though dormant, it is still infective. This is called latent infection.
• Once infected by HSV type 1, you cannot be infected by it again. However, you  can get infected by HSV type 2.
• You  can get infected by using towels or linen of an infected person.
• Infection with HSV type 1 is common in childhood in the lower economic class of people where sharing of towels and linens may be the cause as also affectionate kissing of the child due to ignorance.
• HSV type 1 is being linked to the cause of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is degeneration of the neurons and synapses of the brain cortex leading progressive loss of brain function. It is usually terminal.
• Herpetic Whitlow  is  caused by the HSV type 1. It is infection of the fingers, commonly seen in healthcare providers or doctors or dentists due to contact of the fingers with the saliva of an infected patient.

2) Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV Type 2).

It is also referred to as Genital Herpes Virus or Herpes Virus 2.

• HSV Type 2 is responsible for genital herpes, that is, it commonly infects the genitals and or the anus.
• HSV type 2 causes sores and blisters on the genitals and or the anus. Do read Symptoms of genital herpes  which explains the details.
• However HSV Type 2 can also cause oral herpes due to its transmission by oral sex.
• HSV  Type 2 is transferred by an infected mother to its newborn. About 60 to 80% of the newborns of herpes infected mothers acquire herpes even when the mother is asymptomatic during delivery.
• HSV Type 2 stays dormant in the sensory nerve endings of the sacral nerves throughout  life and gives recurrent infections. However later in life these infection attacks stop but the virus lives on in the nerves.

Picture of herpes virus residing in the nerves.

• It is believed that Herpes Virus Type 2 is also responsible for cervical cancer.

Previous:  Herpes|What is Herpes.

Next:

• Symptoms of Herpes.
• Complications of herpes.
• Testing for Herpes.
• Treatment of Herpes.
• How to Prevent Recurrent herpes outbreaks.
• Natural Remedies of Herpes.

Related posts:

1. Herpes|Genital Herpes.
2. Herpes Symptoms with Herpes Pictures.
3. Test For Herpes.
4. Herpes Complications .
5. Natural Cures for Herpes.
6. Herpes Outbreaks.
7. Herpes Cure.