Facts and Information about the herpes virus:
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This site is dedicated to herpes information Viruses are sub-cellular organisms. When outside of a living cell, they are dormant or may even die, but when they enter a cell, they take over its metabolism to ensure its own replication. Their most important role is to take over control of the host cell DNA and use it to make copies of its own DNA (or in some viruses like HIV the genetic material may be RNA which is slightly different). They essentially turn the host cell into a virus production unit which may lead to that cell dying or being engulfed by the host immune system. Genital herpes infections are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV): a large (150-200nm) DNA virus which consists of approximately 152,000 base pairs of double stranded DNA encapsulated in a layer made of protein called the capsid. The capsid is surrounded by a less well defined structure known as the tegument. The whole virus is contained in a membrane which is made up from proteins it has scavenged from the host cell. It is studded with molecules which are the unique finger print of the virus. These so called glycoproteins are very important,:- they are the basis for the host immune system being able to recognize the virus and also enable the virus to bind with the host cell membrane to enable the virus to gain entry into the host cell. There are two types of HSV: HSV 1 and HSV 2 . These constitute two of the at least 8 known herpes viruses. The DNA sequences of HSV 1 and HSV 2 are approximately 50% identical and their encoded proteins are even more closely related. There are no genes unique to either virus. HSV1 is responsible for more than 90% of oro-labial herpes (cold sores or fever blisters) whereas type 2 is responsible for over 90% of genital herpes. Those suffering with the infection may shed the virus from the skin of the genitalia, even in the absence of symptoms. This so called virus shedding will be covered elsewhere. The host immune system will try and get rid of the invading virus by mounting an antibody response, as well as producing white cells which will destroy cells that have been recognised as being virus infected. Unfortunately those antibodies which are produced early in the course of herpes simplex infection do not prevent recurrence of the active phase of the disease. This probably occurs because extra cellular virus is neutralized whilst intracellular viral replication and direct cell to cell transfer is unaffected. (In simple terms virus that escapes into the blood stream may be killed, but that which stays inside cells, is not). When a virus is detected by the immune system, antibody will attach itself to one of the surface proteins of the virus. This will wake up the white cells to enable the antibody marked virus to be destroyed. This so called cell mediated response is important in the modification of herpes infection, as patients who suffer with a compromised cellular immune system will suffer much more severe bouts of herpes.
Information and pictures on this site are provided for informational purposes and are not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. herpes
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