Structure,

Classification,
Mode of Replication

GRINTY BABU
TTGI170306
What is herpes simplex?

• The herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV, is an infection that causes herpes.
Herpes can appear in various parts of the body, most commonly on the genitals or
mouth. There are two types of the herpes simplex virus.

• HSV-1: primarily causes oral herpes, and is generally responsible for cold sores
and fever blisters around the mouth and on the face.

• HSV-2: primarily causes genital herpes, and is generally responsible for genital
herpes outbreaks.
MORPHOLOGY

• Virions are spherical, 150-200nm in diameter

• HSV-1 and HSV-2 contains:
i. An envelope- derived from the nuclear membrane of the infected cell; contains
viral glycoproteins
ii. A tegument—an amorphous layer of proteins that surround the capsid
iii. An icosahedral capsid
iv. Genome (linear, a large double-stranded viral DNA; encoding 70-200
proteins)
Structure of enveloped & non- enveloped virus

Structure of Herpes Simplex virus

 Virulence Factors
• HSV has an ability to cause the permanent infection in a patient’s life by replicating

viral DNAs and releasing them. Therefore, the virus can continuously flourish under

favorable conditions.

• The virulent protein ICP 34.5 works with other different cellular proteins to replicate

HSV.

• HSV can turn off the immune system (interferon, natural killer cells, cytotoxic T cell,

macrophages, etc.) by coating viruses with immunoglobulin, which evasively pass

through the immune system

Virulence Factors

• For example, gC (herpes glycoprotein) can bind the C3 protein, as well as gE and gI

(herpes glycoproteins) can bind IgG through the Fc receptor of the immunoglobulin.

The virus can also escape from humoral antibodies in extracellular space by moving

directly from cell to cell .

• During the latency period, nucleic acid of HSV finds a secure place in the nerves

around the infected area, so that it reduces the risk of losing or misplacing their

daughter cells.
Replication
1. Virus
adsorption
and
penetration

2. Viral DNA
replication and
nucleocapsid
assembly

3. Acquisition
of the viral
envelope

4. Latency
Mode of transmission

• Transmission of both HSV types is by direct contact with virus-containing

secretions or with lesions on mucosal or cutaneous surfaces

• HSV-1 is spread by contact, usually by infected saliva

• HSV-1 primarily infects skin above the waist

• HSV-2 is transmitted sexually or from a maternal genital infection to a

newborn

• HSV-2 primarily infects skin below the waist

 Pathogenesis
• HSV causes cytolytic infections

• Pathologic changes are due to necrosis of infected cells

together with the inflammatory response.

Formation of
multinucleated
Margination giant cells
of chromatin

Production of
Cowdry type A
intranuclear
Ballooning (Lipschutz)
of infected inclusion bodies.
cells
Signs & Symptoms

 It’s important to understand that someone may not have visible sores or
symptoms and still be infected by the virus. They may also transmit the virus
to others.

 HSV can also spread to the eyes, causing a condition called herpes keratitis.

 This can cause symptoms such as eye pain, discharge, and a gritty feeling in
the eye.
SYMPTOMS COMMON SYMPTOMS
SIMILAR TO FLU
1.
blistering
sores (in 1. Fever &
the mouth headaches
or on the
genitals)

2. pain
during 2.
urination swollen
(genital lymph
herpes) nodes

3.
3. Tiredness
itching & lack of
appetite
Lab Diagnosis
• Herpes Testing: Herpes Culture, Herpes Simplex Viral Culture,

• Sample Required: A swab or scraping from a blister or sore in the infected

area or a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm; for meningitis or
encephalitis, a sample of cerebrospinal fluid.

A. Cytopathology

B. Isolation and identification:

C. Polymerase chain reaction:

D. Serology:
Treatment

• Aciclovir, Valaciclovir, Famciclovir

• Asymptomatic shedding is frequent in patients with genital herpes

• Transmission can be reduced by:

a. avoidance of contact with potential virus-shedding lesions

b. safe sexual practice

c. antiviral therapy
 Prophylaxis
• Avoid contact with the virus.

• good hygiene

• Using water and soap usually kills the virus.

• patients with any type of herpes should avoid having either oral sex or sexual intercourse when
there are symptoms around the lesions.

• Reduce the stimuli that reactivate the latent virus. Frequency of outbreaks might be lessened by
managing stress, avoiding UV light, and having adequate diet/rest/exercise.

• Most of the vaccines being developed are to lessen the severity of the symptoms, and to minimize
the possible secondary effects and further reoccurrence of infection.
HERPES VIRUS
References
• Harvey RA, Champe PC, Fischer BD. Lippincott’s Illustrated Reviews: Microbiology. 2nd edition.
2007.

• Jawetz, Melnick & Adelberg. Medical Microbiology. The McGraw-Hill Companies. 25th edition

• Richard J Whitley, Bernard Roizman. Herpes simplex virus infections. Lancet. 2001; 357: 1513–
18

• Fatahzadeh M & Schwartz RA. Human herpes simplex virus infections: Epidemiology,
pathogenesis, symptomatology, diagnosis and management. JAM ACAD DERMATOL. 2007; 737-
763
THANK YOU !!!