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Herpes Definition

There are actually eight herpesviruses that can cause illness in humans. These are known as the human herpesviruses (HHV) and are labeled HHV-1 through HHV-8. HHV-1 through HHV-3 infect nerve cells, while the remaining human herpesviruses infect immune cells.

  1. Herpes Simplex Viruses

    • HHV-1 and HHV-2 are the herpes simplex viruses (HSV). HHV-1 causes most cases of cold sores, while HHV-2 is responsible largely for genital herpes, although either virus can lead to each condition; both conditions cause red rash with blisters.

    Varicella-Zoster Virus

    • Varicella-zoster virus (VZV or HHV-3) causes chickenpox and, when it recurs, shingles. Like herpes simplex viruses, HHV-3 leads to red rash with blisters; chickenpox is characterized by itching, while shingles is more painful and less itchy.

    Epstein-Barr Virus

    • Epstein-Barr virus (HHV-4 or EBV) generally does not lead to severe illness. However, it is responsible for infectious mononucleosis, commonly known as mono, in young adults; it is not, as was once thought, linked to chronic-fatigue syndrome.

    Cytomegalvoris

    • Cytomegalovirus (CMV or HHV-5) is a common cause of birth defects (CDC). It does not generally cause disease in adults, but may lead to retinitis, a condition that can cause blindness, in people with weakened immune systems, as in advanced HIV.

    Roseolaviruses

    • Roseola is a common illness found in children, and is caused by both HHV-6 and HHV-7. Roseola can lead to a high fever as well as a rash.

    Kaposi's Sarcoma

    • Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSAH or HHV-8) leads to a skin cancer called Kaposi's sarcoma in people with advanced HIV-disease. It manifests as purple or other dark lesions on the skin.

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