Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 treatment. Herpes simplex - features of the disease

Data Jul 29 ● Comments 0 ● Views

Doctor Dmitry Sedykh

Herpes simplex virus (HSV, hsv, herpes simplex) infects more than 95% of all people. Herpes simplex is a lifelong carrier of the virion. Herpes simplex is presented in two types - the first and the second. HSV infection occurs mainly in childhood, when children first encounter active carriers of the pathogen, secreting herpes simplex into the external environment. Simple HSV is the most common herpesvirus.

HSV has two subspecies - the classification distinguishes between herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. The first type is the most common - it is hsv that we observe on the lips, nose, chin, fingers.

Herpes simplex of the second type is found in the genitals and anus, mainly in women, can cause complications during gestation and in some cases provoke cancer in terms of gynecology.

HSV types 1 and 2 are powerful antigens that provoke an immune response in the form of antibodies. With the initial manifestation, the disease is more severe, and even with the presence of antibodies, relapses are much easier. It is precisely because of the lack of antibodies in the fetus that herpes 1 and 2 types can have an extremely negative effect on the child, provoking intrauterine damage, up to death, early delivery.

How does primary infection occur?

During the initial penetration of the virion, both types of pathogen can enter the body. The herpes simplex virion is quite resistant to the environment, it tolerates temperature changes well, stays in both dry and humid environments, does not break down in sunlight and can persist for several hours on surfaces other than the human body.

The routes of transmission of the virus are contact-household, airborne and sexual. With the contact-household method of transmission, the disease can become sick when using common objects that an infected person uses. It can be a towel, washcloth, cup. Primary infection with genital herpes occurs during intimate relationships - the virion is transmitted due to the contact of the genitals and biological fluids.

Infection by airborne droplets is more rare. It is enough to sneeze or cough near a healthy person, as he can become infected with the virus, especially in the presence of a weakened immune system.

When the pathogen enters the surface of the human body, it penetrates into the skin cells and, in the absence of resistance from the immune system, begins to replicate. Symptoms of herpes after infection at the initial stage do not appear, a little later the typical stages of the disease are noticed. The initial appearance of the virion does not lead to complete recovery. Carriage of a person remains forever. Herpes simplex penetrates into the cells of the nerve trunks and all the time remains inside the cells in a latent form, until the factors that provoke active reproduction of virions appear.

Herpes simplex virus

Causes of recurrent HSV

The main reason for the recurrence of the HSV virus is a weakened immune system. That is why most often patients suffer from relapses of the disease in winter, when they are overtaken by ARVI. Therefore, even manifestations of the labial type on the lips are called "colds", although this is not entirely true.

The weakening of immunity and the activation of the pathogen can be after undergoing surgical interventions, especially after organ transplantation. If a person - a carrier of vpg - takes immunosuppressive therapy, which suppresses the body's defenses, then the virion will certainly take advantage of this situation.

The virion is also activated against the background of other serious diseases that negatively affect the immune system. These can be fungal diseases, inflammatory diseases, blood diseases, when the body is under severe stress and its immunity is weakened. Immunodeficiency states, psychological stress, a sharp change in climate, and dietary nutrition can provoke the manifestations of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2.

About relapses of genital herpes

Symptoms and localization of herpes simplex virus

In the symptomatology of the disease, general manifestations can be distinguished for herpes simplex of the skin. The disease proceeds in stages, each of which is clearly different from the previous one. At the first stage of its manifestation, prodromal, the symptoms of the disease are poorly visualized. Patients only feel an unpleasant itching on the skin, a feeling of swelling and distention. Touching the skin in places where the rash appears is painful, especially when mucous membranes are affected, and a couple of hours after the first signs of discomfort appear, a clearly limited hyperemic area appears.

At the second stage of the development of the herpes simplex virus, it is manifested by bubbles that appear at the site of itchy redness. Inside, the vesicles - vesicles - are filled with a clear liquid containing thousands of virus pathogens. The bubbles continue to grow for about 1-2 days.

At the end of the growth of bubbles, a qualitative third stage of the development of the disease begins. The vesicles have already reached their maximum size and will no longer grow, but changes occur inside the bubbles with liquid. The body begins to fight the virus and the contents turn from transparent to dirty yellow with a greenish tint. The pus that fills the vesicles is the dead pathogens and necrotic particles, possibly an admixture of blood if the vessels burst.

At the fourth stage of the development of the disease, the bubbles burst and crusts from purulent-hemorrhagic contents form in their place. It is no longer worth fearing a disease at the healing stage, the crusts disappear after 3-5 days, and under them a pale pink epithelium is exposed. Herpesvirus has passed all its stages of development, and the infection again becomes latent.

Herpes (Herpes) - translated from Greek as "creeping, prone to spreading skin disease." The disease is caused by the Herpesvirales virus, it is characterized by skin blistering rashes throughout the body and mucous membranes. The types of herpes depend on its localization and pathogen, in total there are about 200 varieties, but only 8 of them are subject to man. Each of the types has its own signs and reasons for the appearance. Herpes types 7 and 8 are still not fully understood.

Herpes type 1

Transmission routes of HHV 3:

  • through common items;
  • when talking, coughing, sneezing, yawning, kissing (even friendly).

How does chickenpox manifest (symptoms):

  • the skin itches unbearably;
  • the temperature rises;
  • vesicles all over the body.

The rash spreads over the skin where the affected nerves are located. The duration of the disease is about 14 days. A person who has had chickenpox once becomes a carrier of the virus for life.

  • along the nerve processes, a person feels itching, burning and severe pain;
  • the general body temperature rises and weakness appears;
  • the affected areas are inflamed for 3 days;
  • on days 2-3, a group of bubbles is formed in the same place.

Important! The duration of the illness is approximately 2 weeks. One of the consequences of shingles is inflammation of a nerve node or several nodes (inflammation of the ganglia).

Treatment of patients with chickenpox or shingles is carried out either in an inpatient department or at home. Therapy is based on the intake and use of antiviral drugs, immunostimulants, vitamins. With chickenpox, the vesicles are smeared with brilliant green or Fukortsin.

Herpes type 4

Epstein Barr virus and Human herpes virus type 4 (EBV or EBV). Herpes infection is a source of mononucleosis. The infection affects the nasopharynx, lymph nodes, spleen, and liver. Formations can lead to cancers. The consequences of the transferred Epstein Barr virus are also otitis media, sinusitis, damage to the heart muscles, inflammation of the liver and brain.

Infection routes:

  • airborne;
  • domestic;
  • sexual contact (including oral sex).

The maximum amount of the virus is released by breathing and coughing. The most susceptible to this disease are adolescent children and young people.

The duration of the period from the entry of the virus into the body for its first symptoms is from 5 days to 7 weeks.

Mononucleosis symptoms:

  • hyperthermia (increased body temperature);
  • swelling, inflammation and pain in the nasopharynx and;
  • pain in muscles and joints;
  • the tonsils are covered with a white coating;
  • the formation of vesicles on the skin and mucous membranes;
  • the level of lymphocytes in the blood rises.

Human herpes virus type 4 is diagnosed by PCR. With a positive analysis, the patient is observed by 3 specialists (immunologist, infectious disease specialist and ENT).

The disease can go away on its own, but it is better not to wait for this moment, so complications may arise and undergo the necessary course of treatment. Therapy of mild and moderate mononucleosis is carried out at home, but the patient is isolated from others. If the case is severe, hospitalization will be required.

There is no specific treatment regimen for herpes simplex type 4. Therapy is aimed at eliminating symptoms.

Herpes type 5

Herpesvirus 5 strain (Human herpesvirus 5, cytomegalovirus, HCMV-5) is characterized by a latent form. Symptoms are more pronounced when the immune system is weakened. Men may not be aware that they have been carriers of HCMV-5 for a long time. The disease affects the liver, spleen, pancreas, central nervous system and eyes.

How does the infection occur and the routes of transmission:

  • with breastfeeding (HB);
  • in the womb;
  • with blood;
  • with saliva (kiss);
  • during intercourse.

The time span from the ingress of the pathogen into the body until the onset of primary symptoms is 60 days.

Signs of herpes type 5:

  • high temperature;
  • headaches, pain in the joints and in the larynx.

Important! Despite considerable pain, the tonsils and lymph nodes do not lend themselves to inflammation.

The disease poses a real danger for HIV-infected people, as well as for organ transplant recipients, cancer patients and taking cytostatic drugs.

Cytomegalovirus also has negative consequences for pregnant women. Expectant mothers can give birth to a child with congenital abnormalities (dysfunction of the brain, hearing, vision, respiration and digestion, skin problems and retarded development). Stillbirth is possible.

To identify or exclude the presence of cytomegalovirus in a pregnant woman, it is necessary to do an ultrasound of the blood flow in the vessels of the umbilical cord and uterus, determine the pathologically small amount of amniotic fluid, measure the heart rate, detect fetal developmental delays and abnormal development of internal organs. It is also important to undergo laboratory research methods (PCR, serological diagnostics).

The goal of treatment is to eliminate the symptoms of the disease, to increase and correct immunity.

Herpes type 6

Herpesvirus strain 6 (HHV-6, HHV-6) is a DNA virus.

There are 2 subtypes of HHC-6:

  1. Subtype "A" (VHCh-6A). People with immunodeficiency are more susceptible to it. In adults, it leads to multiple sclerosis (a chronic autoimmune disease), chronic fatigue, nervous system dysfunctions, and viral progression.
  2. Subtype "B" (VHCh-6B). Children are often exposed to this subtype. The disease flows into baby roseola (the sixth disease, pseudo-rubella).

Important! In the absence of proper treatment for both subtypes, disability and isolation from society are inevitable.

Signs and symptoms:

  • small rashes (which is unusual for other types, the rash is not necessarily accompanied by itching, but the disease can also occur in an atypical form);
  • hyperthermia;
  • lack of appetite;
  • apathy, depression;
  • irritability;
  • enlarged lymph nodes;
  • change in gait (instability, lack of coordination, unsteadiness);
  • diarrhea or constipation;
  • dysfunction of the organs of vision;
  • problems with speaking;
  • sudden changes in mood;
  • distraction;
  • impaired perception and change in sensitivity;
  • convulsions.

If at least once, the virus remains latent for life and does not manifest itself. Relapses are possible with a noticeable decrease in immunity, but without the manifestation of external signs.

How HHV-6 is transmitted:

  • most often, infection occurs through saliva;
  • sometimes the source of transmission is the palatine tonsils (by airborne droplets);
  • when breastfeeding and in utero (the possibility is practically excluded);
  • even less likely to become infected with medical intervention.

In order to diagnose diseases, in addition to the usual examination by a doctor and questions, it is important to be examined. To do this, it is necessary to be tested for polymerase chain reaction (PCR), to undergo serodiagnostics and a study for viruses.

It is impossible to get rid of herpesvirus 6 strain, the goal of therapy is to combat its manifestation. For this, drugs with different pharmacological effects are used (corticosteroids, antioxidants, angioprotectors, antiherpetic drugs, antipyretics, immunostimulants).

Herpes type 7

Herpesvirus type 7 (HHV-7, HHV-7) - often runs in parallel with the virus of strain 6, moreover, they are very similar to each other. The virus infects T-lymphocytes and monocytes, which leads to CFS and the development of cancers of the lymphoid tissues.

How is it transmitted:

  • the main source is airborne droplets (since the localization of HHV-7 is saliva);
  • less often infection occurs through the blood.

The main differences between HHV-7 and HHV-6:

  • strain 7 virus is not transmitted in utero;
  • HHV-7 affects children no younger than one year old, and HHV-6 can make itself felt as early as 7 months after birth.

Symptoms:

  • temporary increase in temperature without rashes;
  • involuntary, paroxysmal muscle contraction;
  • inflammation of the brain and its membranes;
  • mononucleosis syndrome;
  • sudden exanthema or baby roseola.

To identify the herpesvirus type 7 in the body, it is necessary to undergo PCR diagnostics, ELISA, a study for the virus and make an immunogram.

Medical care consists in dealing with the symptoms that have appeared. There are currently no specific drugs for the treatment of HHV-7.

Herpes type 8

Herpesvirus 8 strain (HHV-8, HHV-8, KSHV) - the last abbreviation - this is not a typo or an accident. These letters appeared from English literature, since there the disease is called Kaposhi Sarkoma Herpes Virus. The virus infects T- and B-lymphocytes, refers to DNA-containing viruses.

Virus 8 strain is transmitted in different ways:

  • having sex with an infected person;
  • kiss;
  • blood (transplantation (engraftment) of organs or tissue sites, drug addicts are often infected when using one syringe);
  • a small percentage is given to infection in utero.

Important! The risk group includes people who have undergone organ transplants, radiation, homosexuals and drug addicts.

For an infected person with normal immunity, HHV-8 does not pose a danger and does not manifest itself in any way. He is able to "bare" his negative sides while reducing the body's defenses. HHV-8 provokes the emergence and development of Kaposi's sarcoma, primary lymphoma and Castleman disease.

Depending on what kind of disease the patient has. There are also symptoms.

  1. Kaposi's sarcoma. The site of localization is concentrated on the skin, lymph nodes, mucous membranes and internal organs. There are 4 types of diseases (classic, endemic, immunosuppressive, epidemic), each of them has its own characteristics.
  2. Primary lymphoma. An oncological disease that affects the central nervous system, serous membranes.
  3. Multi-focal Kastelamna disease (MBC, angiofollicular hyperplasia of the lymph nodes, multifocal hyperplasia of the lymph nodes, angiofollicular lymphoma). A rare type of cancer that is activated against the background of HIV infection. The virus infects the lungs, lymph nodes in the mesentery and subclavian lymph nodes.

As with other herpes infection agents, there is no specific treatment for HHV-8 either. Usually prescribed drug therapy with chemotherapy, radiation, cosmetic procedures (phototherapy), in rare cases - surgery.

Only an experienced specialist can correctly determine the type of viral disease, its etiology and prescribe treatment. Although to date they have not yet created a drug against herpes infection, the pathology requires special attention. Timely detection of the virus in the body will help relieve a person of unpleasant symptoms and consequences.

If the results of the blood test say that the test for antibodies of class g to is positive, then there is often a misunderstanding. What does this mean and what are the next steps? ? What are herpes types 1 and 2? Can you get rid of it? To answer these questions, you need to delve into the essence of the terms a little and understand what kind of ailment it is.

What is herpes virus types 1 and 2?

It is one of the most common human infections. There are 8 types of herpes in total. The most common types 1 and 2 are called herpes simplex viruses (HSV). In medicine, the name is used, which is an abbreviation of the English term Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2: HSV-1 and HSV-2. The degree of infection of mankind with a virus of the first type is up to 85%, antibodies to HSV of the second type are found in about 20% of the world's population. Not everyone who is infected has symptoms.

Infection with herpes simplex is possible in several ways: HSV-1 is transmitted by airborne droplets and contact (through the skin, especially when it comes into contact with the vesicles), you can get HSV-2 through sexual contact with an infected partner. Also, the virus can be transmitted from mother to child (during gestation and during childbirth).

Herpes HSV-1 usually occurs on the surface of the skin and mucous membranes in the mouth and nose, most often at the border of the lips. Symptoms vary. In adults, this type of herpes is manifested by blistering eruptions, sometimes it can be a single vesicle on the lip, but usually there are several of them, while they are combined into a solid focus, sometimes several such foci appear.

The bubbles burst as they develop, forming wounds. The whole process is accompanied by itching and irritation. People often call this type of virus "the common cold". HSV-2 is most often localized on the skin in the genital area and has the appearance of a rash similar to type 1, this localization determines its name - genital herpes.

Once in the body, the herpes virus can exist for a long time in a latent form; in an adult, it lives in the nerve nodes without damaging the cells. Stress, exhaustion, illnesses that cause decreased immunity can activate the virus. Among the factors contributing to the development of herpes, organ transplantation occupies a special place, because the recipient's immunity in these cases is suppressed during the engraftment of the organ.

In most cases, herpes simplex is not very dangerous to health, but it can provoke serious illnesses such as encephalitis.

Men with HSV-2 infection may develop prostatitis or herpetic urethritis. Women are at risk of developing vulvovaginitis or cervicitis.

What immunoglobulins are being tested?

Diagnosing herpes is important in the following cases:

  • planning a pregnancy (doctors recommend diagnostics for both partners);
  • a state of immune deficiency;
  • examination before organ transplant;
  • if there are signs of intrauterine infection or fetoplacental insufficiency;
  • research of various risk groups;
  • differential diagnosis for suspected urogenital infections;
  • detection of any vesicular rashes on the skin (to exclude dangerous pathologies).

After this infection enters the body, the immune system develops antibodies to the herpes virus, this is a special type of proteins in blood cells, they are called immunoglobulins and are denoted by the Latin letters ig. There are 5 types (or classes) of immunoglobulins: IgM, IgG, IgA, IgE, IgD. Each of them characterizes the disease in a special way.

IgA class usually make up about 15% of all immunoglobulins, they are produced in mucous membranes, are present in breast milk and saliva. These antibodies are the first to take over the protection of the body when exposed to viruses, toxins and other pathogenic factors.

IgD immunoglobulins are produced in the fetus during gestation; in adults, only minor traces are found, this class has no clinical significance. The IgE type is present in the blood in very small quantities and may indicate a tendency to allergies. The most important in the diagnosis of herpes simplex are 2 classes: IgG (anti hsv IgG), these are the most numerous antibodies (about 75%), and IgM (anti hsv IgM), about 10%.

IgM appears first after infection in the blood, after a few days IgG is detected. The normal (reference) values \u200b\u200bfor anti hsv types 1 and 2 are usually indicated on the form, but we must not forget that in different laboratories the reference values \u200b\u200bmay differ.

If the level of antibodies is below the threshold value, then they speak of a negative result (seronegativeness), if it is higher - about a positive result (seropositivity).

An increase in the body of antibodies of the IgM class indicates the onset of an acute illness. After recovery, a certain amount of IgG remains in a person forever (IgG is elevated), the presence of these antibodies does not guarantee protection against re-infection. If the analysis shows that IgG antibodies are elevated, then this infection is already familiar to the body, that is, IgG serves as a marker of infection of the body with the herpes simplex virus. Immunoglobulins IgM can be considered a marker of the primary penetration of infection into the body.

Diagnostic methods

Venous or capillary blood can be used as a material for research. possibly in two different ways:

  • ELISA - enzyme immunoassay;
  • PCR - polymerase chain reaction.

The difference between these methods is that ELISA detects antibodies to the virus, while PCR detects the virus itself (its DNA). In this case, PCR finds the pathogen only in those tissues that were provided for analysis, that is, it determines the defeat of only a specific organ. The ELISA method allows you to determine the prevalence of infection throughout the body, because immunoglobulins, along with blood, are present in all organs and tissues.

To detect the herpes simplex virus, it is preferable to use the ELISA method. When in the description of the test results obtained there are phrases - IgG positive, we can confidently say that the study was carried out by the ELISA method. At the same time, PCR is also very actively used, with its help it is possible to determine a specific type of virus (1 or 2) in cases where it is not possible to establish the type by localization.

Interpretation of the received data

IgM IgG Interpretation
Negative Positive If earlier antibodies to herpes were not detected in the body (i.e. there was seronegativeness), there were no symptoms of infection, then this result indicates the second half of the primary acute infection. In case of pregnancy, the fetus is at risk.

If in the past the herpes virus has already been detected or there have been clinical manifestations of the infection, then the person is the carrier of the herpes simplex virus, and this result may mean a relapse (exacerbation) of the infection. There are certain risks to the fetus, but in general there is protection (treatment may be required).

Such a result may also mean the presence of immunity. For clarification, 2 types of IgG are considered, namely: the determination of antibodies to early or late virus proteins. When immunity is confirmed, there is no threat to the fetus during pregnancy.

Positive Positive Means the first half of the primary acute infection, the fetus is at risk.
Positive Negative It is interpreted as the initial phase of the disease, there are risks to the fetus.
Negative Negative Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 are absent, there has never been an infection. Infection during pregnancy poses a threat to the fetus, since it is not protected by immunity.

Analysis data is not always 100% reliable. For example, immediately after infection, a sufficient amount of antibodies does not have time to develop, the result in this case may turn out to be false-negative. If you want to get the most reliable conclusions, it is recommended to undergo an additional test for IgM and repeat the analysis for IgG (of two types) after a few weeks.

IgG antibodies to the herpes simplex virus are found in the blood of the vast majority of the world's population. Recent primary infection, as well as virus reactivation, is determined by the observed increase in lgG by about 30% in the dynamics of samples over a two-week period. When high levels of IgG are usually found, a decrease in the number of antibodies indicates a positive trend.

Principles of treating viral manifestations

Before starting treatment for a viral herpes infection, you need to know:

  • it is impossible to achieve complete destruction of the virus;
  • there are no prophylactic medications;
  • with the help of antibiotics, viral infections cannot be cured, viruses are immune to them;
  • medical treatment of mild manifestations of herpes simplex virus type 1 is not justified.

Immunity to the virus in infected people is temporary and incomplete; with a decrease in immunity, a relapse usually occurs. The herpes virus itself is capable of lowering immunity, since the increased synthesis of IgG antibodies suppresses the production of special lymphocytes that can fight pathogens. The state of human immunity significantly affects the frequency and severity of relapses.

Acyclovir is most effective in the treatment of the herpes virus. Due to the similarity of the structure of the drug with the elements of the amino acids of the virus, Acyclovir enters its DNA, suppresses its activity and blocks the synthesis of new chains. In this case, the substance acts strictly selectively, suppressing only viral DNA, its effect practically does not apply to the replication of human cell DNA.

The use of the drug in accordance with the instructions allows you to speed up recovery, reducing the duration of clinical manifestations. Among the precautions for treatment with Acyclovir:

  • pregnancy (special care should be taken during lactation);
  • hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
  • at the age of a child under 3 years old, you should stop taking pills;
  • in case of renal failure, you must first consult a doctor, you may have to reduce the dosage;
  • in old age, oral treatment must necessarily be accompanied by abundant fluid intake;
  • avoid contact with the drug on the mucous membranes of the eyes.

The course of the disease when infected with a type II virus is characterized by more severe symptoms. This type of herpes in pregnant women can cause miscarriage and increase the likelihood of miscarriage. A dramatic consequence of HSV-2 disease during pregnancy can be neonatal herpes. In men, the virus of the second type is a very common cause of infertility.

Detection of HSV of this type requires a broader treatment regimen, including various immunomodulators. It is important to strengthen the immune system and the body's defenses, therefore vitamins and biostimulants are additionally prescribed. Sometimes injections of saline are indicated, so the concentration of the virus in the blood can be reduced.

The occurrence of relapses

After the suppression of the active stage, the virus remains in the nerve ganglia, where it exists latently, while it may not give itself out for a very long time, new viruses are not produced in this phase. The causes of relapses are not clearly established, but there are known triggers:

  • changes in the immune system of women before menstruation sometimes provoke a relapse of HSV;
  • sARS infection, flu and other diseases accompanied by high fever can also cause relapses;
  • local damage to the lips or eyes;
  • side effects of radiation therapy;
  • strong, cold wind;
  • exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Immunity to the virus is permanent, and the severity of relapses decreases over time.

According to the World Health Organization, about 67% of the adult population on the planet is infected with the herpes simplex virus 1 and 11% - type 2. This is herpes simplex, which is the most common cause of rashes on the lips. The second place is occupied by genital herpes. In addition to these diseases, herpes simplex causes damage to other organs.

About the herpes virus

  • kisses;
  • use of common utensils and hygiene items;
  • sexual contact.

Infection with herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 can occur during traditional sexual contacts, as well as during anal-genital, oral-genital. Using a condom does not provide 100% protection against infection. Infection can occur through skin-to-skin contact, even without obvious symptoms of the disease.

At normal temperatures and when wet in the external environment, the herpes simplex virus can remain viable for 24 hours. When the temperature rises to 50 degrees, the virus is inactivated within 30 minutes. It can withstand freezing to minus 70 degrees for 5 days.

Virus simplex affects epithelial cells, and the latent phase of infection occurs in neurocytes... No drugs have been developed that completely destroy the virus. At the moment, the drugs used suppress the reproduction of the pathogen, but it cannot be removed from the nerve cells.

Disease development mechanisms

Herpes simplex can overcome the intact stratum corneum of the epidermis when biological fluids of the patient or carrier enter it. The second type is only transmitted through the skin.

After contact with the epithelium, the virus gradually penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin. The pathogen membrane merges with the cell membrane. There is a release of DNA, which passes along dendritic processes into the body of the neuron located in the sensitive ganglion. There, the virus is permanently embedded in the cell nucleus.

If infection with the oral form occurs, then the sensory ganglia of the trigeminal nerve are affected. In genital herpes, the virus is concentrated in the lumbar ganglia.

In most cases, the beginning of reproduction and the release of viruses into the external environment is asymptomatic. The first signs may appear a week after infection. When the pathogen enters the epithelial cells, its reproduction is also started. In the lesions, bubbles form with a liquid content, which contains a large number of viral particles.

Infection occurs in periods of activity and remission... After the acute phase of the disease, the rashes on the lips heal, but the person still remains dangerous in terms of infecting others.

Herpes simplex type 2 (HVS-2) in most cases is asymptomatic, but the pathogen multiplies and is released into the external environment, capable of infecting people around. Relapses of the disease and the appearance of clinical symptoms are associated with immunosuppression, which is observed during pregnancy, hormonal changes, infectious and somatic diseases.

The relapse mechanism is based on the movement of viral particles along the nerve processes to the epithelium. Cell damage leads to the development of necrosis, the appearance of characteristic vesicles. They burst to form ulcers that crust over and heal without scarring.

The immune system in response to the action of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 synthesizes specific IgG antibodies. This reduces the frequency of relapses of the disease. The synthesis of immunoglobulins against a specific type of virus leads to the formation of immunity. Therefore, re-infection with the same type of pathogen becomes almost impossible. IgGs are specific for their type of HSV, but they are able to alleviate the clinical manifestations of type 2 disease.

Symptoms

The first signs of an approaching disease are the appearance of a burning sensation or itching on the lips or genitals. After a day, bubbles appear containing liquid... The general condition is rarely disturbed. With the genital form of the infection, rashes can appear on different surfaces:

  • labia;
  • vagina;
  • cervix;
  • perineal area;
  • around the anus;
  • on the foreskin in men.

Primary infection in patients with a pathology of immunity can occur with a violation of the general state of health. At the same time, the temperature rises, chills, weakness and malaise develop. The relapse of the disease is milder.

If the rash on the lips does not go away within a month, then this indicates severe symptoms of impaired immunity. With HSV infection, the likelihood of HIV infection increases.

What does herpes infection lead to?

HSV infection can damage the epithelium of other organs. After the primary form, symptoms of gingivostomatitis may develop.... A local decrease in immunity contributes to the appearance of rashes on the oral mucosa.

It is also possible to damage the nail fold or the epidermis of the phalanx of the finger with the development of herpetic panaritium. Primary infection of the ocular mucosa is accompanied by signs of herpetic conjunctivitis. At the same time, small whitish rashes appear on the cornea of \u200b\u200bthe eye.

If the infection penetrates the brain along the trigeminal nerve, then herpetic encephalitis may develop. The temporal lobes are mainly affected.

The virus is able to infect the skin and appendages with the development of sycosis (damage to hair follicles), eczema.

It has been suggested that HSV is the cause of Bell's palsy, a pathology of the facial nerve, and also plays a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Prevention

Specific prophylaxis of the disease in the form of a vaccine is under development. Non-specific methods include following basic rules of personal hygiene... You should not use the things and utensils of a person who has clinical manifestations of the disease. It is important to wash your hands after visiting public places, use disposable toilet covers for general use. You can not drink from the same cup with a sick person, use the lipstick of a woman with symptoms of the disease. In order not to infect small children, you do not need to kiss them and let strangers do it.

To prevent genital herpes infection, you must use a condom with a new sexual partner. This will reduce the risks of infection, but it does not provide one hundred percent protection against the disease. If one of the partners has herpes sores, it is necessary to stop sexual intercourse during the exacerbation. Practicing personal and sexual hygiene can reduce the chances of infection.

Herpes is a viral disease that manifests itself in specific rashes.

The body is susceptible to infection with different types of herpes, but most often a person is faced with, united by the common name herpes simplex.

HSV-1 (labial herpes) is usually localized on the lips after hypothermia, which is why the blisters are called a cold or fever. HSV-2 provokes the incidence of genital diseases, as a result of which characteristic elements are formed in the genital area.

Herpes simplex: features of the disease

The herpes simplex virus is transmitted by contact, at the time of close communication between a sick person and a healthy person. The risk of infection increases with non-compliance with hygiene rules and the use of common household items.

The herpes simplex virus manifests itself in different forms:

  • Sharp.
  • Chronic.
  • Typical.
  • Atypical.
  • Recurrent.

The incubation period for the development of the disease lasts from 2 to 7 days and then enters the active phase.

An exacerbation can be recognized by burning, itching and twitching at the point of formation of future elements. Subsequently, the elements themselves appear - pimple-like bubbles, clustered in groups or located separately from each other. The blister may be the only one.

Within 1 - 2 weeks, the affected lesion heals:

Despite the cleansing of the skin or mucous tissue, the herpes simplex virus g1 does not leave the body - it goes deep into the nerve nodes and falls into a latent state.

Subsequent activation of the pathogen is possible when a predisposing factor appears:

  • Chronic fatigue.
  • Poor nutrition.
  • Strong psycho-emotional surge.
  • Weakening after other diseases.
  • Hypothermia or overheating of the body.

Herpes symptoms can be caused by any factor that can negatively affect the immune system. The long course of the acute phase and multiple episodes of the disease in 1 year indicate immunodeficiency and require the participation of an immunologist.

What happens when you get HSV type 2

Subdivided into primary and secondary. In the first case, the disease is asymptomatic until it degenerates into a relapsing form. The danger of asymptomatic genital herpes is that a person, not knowing about the problem, continues to lead an intimate life and infects a partner.

The first signs of genital herpes appear at the end of the incubation period, which, like labial herpes, lasts up to 10 days. Primary GH proceeds for a long time and severely, affecting the vagina in women and the urethra in men. In many patients, fluid bubbles pop up on the thighs and legs. Women complain of herpes outbreaks on the eve of their next period. In addition, blisters can form around the anus and on the rectal mucosa.

The greatest danger is herpes simplex. When planning a family, even before conception, doctors recommend that women donate blood for antibodies to HSV types 1 and 2. The presence of antibodies in the body minimizes the risk of developing fetal malformations and increases the chance of normal bearing. This applies to women who contracted the virus before pregnancy.

If the first outbreak of genital herpes was recorded after conception, the threat to gestation and the unborn child may be as follows:

In 15% of cases, genital herpes causes malignant changes in the cervix and prostate gland. Therefore, with frequent relapses of HSV-2, patients should be observed by an oncologist.

How and how is herpes simplex treated?

Localized forms of herpes simplex with a mild course and rare relapses are treated with symptomatic drugs with an antiseptic, drying and regenerating effect. With frequent episodes of herpesvirus activity, complex or systemic treatment is being developed.

Of antiviral drugs, patients are prescribed Acyclovir, Ganciclovir, Valtrex, Ribavirin, Vidarabin, Zovirax, Penciclovir and their analogues. To suppress the vital activity of the pathogen, Alpizarin, Bonafton, Polirem, Oxolin, Helepin, Ridoxol are prescribed.

To restore immunity, the doctor selects a means of immuno- and interferon replacement therapy:

  • Cytotect.
  • Pentaglobin.
  • Kagocel.
  • Larifan.
  • Neovir.
  • Reaferon.
  • Human immunoglobulin.
  • Human leukocyte interferon.

Of herpes vaccines, patients are offered live, inactivated or recombinant drugs.

Treatment of herpes with injections can be carried out using the liquid for injections Herpes Simplex-Nosod-Iniel (German-made drug).

Its active components are non-living colonies of the HSV pathogen in low concentration. The drug is prescribed for chronic herpes and any infections associated with herpesvirus, as well as for the elimination of pain after treatment of herpes zoster.

The medicine has no contraindications, but due to its belonging to the group of nosodal viral medicines, it should not be combined with vaccination. The agent is well tolerated. Cases of new rashes indicate the correct effect of the drug and guarantee the success of treatment.

Herpes simplex-Nosode-Injeel injections are administered to patients over 12 years old, 1 ampoule 1 to 3 times a week. The frequency depends on the patient's condition. If for any reason the injection cannot be given, the liquid from the ampoule is dissolved with water and the patient is given a drink.

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So the body will become more resilient and quickly cope with any pathological process that impairs its vital functions.

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