What is herpes simplex virus?

Humans are the only natural host of the herpes simplex virus, which causes genital herpes, the first among sexually transmitted diseases caused by viruses. So what are the characteristics of the herpes simplex virus?

Characteristics of herpes simplex virus:

1. The diameter is about 120-150 microns.

2. The body layer is composed of fiber and the cell membrane contains lipid components, so the herpes simplex virus is particularly sensitive to ether and lipid solvents.

3. It is composed of three concentric structures: envelope, body coat and capsid.

4. It can survive for several months at low temperatures, and can be eliminated in 30 minutes under humid heat of 50°C and dry conditions of 90°C.

Herpes simplex virus can be divided into two types: type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ.

1. Herpes simplex virus type Ⅰ infects the skin, mucous membranes and organs above the waist

Type 1 herpes is mainly transmitted through close contact between the respiratory tract, skin and mucous membranes, infecting the skin, mucous membranes and organs above the waist. For example, inflammation and herpes of the oral mucosa, nasal vestibule, conjunctiva, and throat, and herpes in and around the mouth are 99% caused by infection with the herpes virus type 1.

2. Herpes simplex virus type 2 is the culprit that causes genital inflammation and herpes.

Herpes virus type 2 mainly exists in the cervix, vagina, and vulva skin of women and the penis and urethra of men. According to relevant statistics, 90% of the pathogens of genital herpes are herpes virus type 2, and only 10% are herpes virus type 1.

After contact through sexual organs, the virus remains latent for about 2-20 days (average 6 days). People with immune deficiency or immunodeficiency, such as those using immunosuppressants, kidney transplant recipients, severe burns, severe malnutrition, and patients with malignant tumors of the blood and lymphatic systems, will have aggravated symptoms after infection, and may develop herpetic eczema, recurrent corneal ulcers, and even systemic disseminated herpes, which can be fatal. Neutralizing antibodies and complement-fixing antibodies are produced in the body 1-3 weeks after infection. The remaining virus may be transferred to the trigeminal ganglion (herpes simplex virus type 1) or sacral ganglion (herpes simplex virus type 2) along the peripheral nerves and enter a dormant state. When certain inducing factors such as anxiety, mental trauma, cold, sun exposure, wind, trauma, infection, drug allergy, high fever, menstruation, pregnancy, etc. disrupt the body's physiological balance, specific transcriptases required for viral proliferation appear in nerve cells, activating the virus and causing recurrence. Humoral antibodies cannot prevent the recurrence of herpes virus, and weakened cellular immunity has a significant impact on recurrence.