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Herpes simplex - oral - Background information
What is it?
- Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is usually the cause of oral herpes [Esmann, 2001].
- Primary HSV-1 infection may be asymptomatic, but may present as gingivostomatitis (inflammation of the gums and mucous membranes of the mouth) and pharyngitis, usually in children under 5 years of age [Hirsch, 1995].
- Recurrent oral disease is usually caused by HSV-1 infection. This occurs when the herpes simplex virus persists in a latent state in the trigeminal ganglion and reactivates later as 'cold sores' [Hirsch, 1995; Bentley et al, 2003; Gonsalves et al, 2007].
- Rarely, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) may cause primary infection of the oral cavity, typically in association with orogenital sex, but recurrent disease in this location is rare [Esmann, 2001].
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