Antiviral therapy in herpes virus infections
Journal Article
2003
Permanent link to this Item
Authors
Journal Title
South African Journal for Continuing Medical Education
Link to Journal
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Health and Medical Publishing Group
Publisher
University of Cape Town
Department
Faculty
Series
Abstract
Herpes viruses are large, enveloped DNA viruses. There are currently 8 known human herpes viruses and 1 primate species that is a rare human pathogen. Most people have been infected with several human herpes viruses. In immunocompetent individuals primary infections with herpes viruses are generally mild, self-limiting infections. After primary infection, herpes viruses remain latent in either sensory nerve ganglia or immune cells. Latency may persist indefinitely unless immune suppression develops, in which case recurrent disease can become life threatening. In the immunocompetent patient, clinical recurrences that are milder than the primary infection are the hallmark of herpes virus infections.
Description
Reference:
Maartens, G. (2003). Antiviral therapy in herpesvirus infections. Continuing Medical Education, 21(6).