Herpes-simplex: Type 2 :: essays research papers fc

Herpes-Simplex Type 2     Herpes is a name that is used to describe some(prenominal) attributes of skin belts that atomic number 18 characterized by formation of blisters. The term embracesprimarily two distinct disorders, herpes simplex and herpes zoster, both causedby viruses. Together, these "herpes" viruses are estimated to cause more humanillnesses than any other group of viruses.     Two types of herpes simplex are known. The first causes cold sores orfever blisters, which is an eruption of blisters that a good deal occurs during thecourse of or after one of a variety of diseases that eventually cause fever(most commonly average colds, the flu, and pneumonia). The blisters usuallyappear just about the mouth and on the lips (herpes labialis), about the nose, face,and ears, and in the mouth and pharynx. The causative virus has been shown to bepresent in the cell bodies of the facial nerve in persons who do not haveblisters. It is this reservoir of latent virus that is the source of repeatedattacks. Except for lotions to relieve pain, itching, or inflammation, noestablished treatmemt has actually been developed.     The second type of the herpes simplex virus, however, is the usual causeof genital herpes. Herpes infections of the genital area have becomeincreasingly common, going along with a erect in general of many sexuallytransmitted diseases. Sometimes accompanied by headache and fever, the conditionusually begins with a mild itching, followed by the learning of clusters ofblisters that break and crust to form scabs that eventually dry up. The processmay last one to three weeks. In many cases new clusters of blisters appear asothers heal. When a baby is born to a woman who has active genital herpeslesions, the infant is at high risk of contracting an infection that is oftenfatal, so these women usually have their babies delivered by a cesarian section.Primary cases of genital her pes can be treated by a medicine called acyclovir, whichwas approved in 1982 and in another form, that is to be taken orally rather thanused in an ointment form, in 1984. It also has been proving useful against perennial attacks.     The virus can also invade the central nervous system, or CNS, especiallyin people who are weakened by other diseases, much(prenominal) as cancer, causing a severecase of encephalitis.