Page 37 - LECTURE NOTES
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Primary infection
Latency Transmission can occur in all stages; more at the primary
Reactivation stage
What causes latency?
What causes reactivation? (Precipitating factors)
o Local/systemic immuno-suppression
o Trauma to the skin site or ganglion
o UV rays
o Fever
o Immunity to HSV infection: - Both CMI and Humeral, but CMI is much more
important to protect from a lethal disease, the severity of the infection and
frequency of recurrence and latency
Epidemiology:
Most of the infections are sub clinical which makes serology very important to assess
the epidemiology = seroepidemiology
HSV – 2: The worldwide prevalence is increasing.
- The major cause of genital ulcer disease worldwide
- Very infectious and infection is lifelong.
- Asymptomatic infection and transmission possible.
- Forms a positive loop hole with HIV infection (co infection with HIV virus)
The prevalence of HSV - 2 is higher in developing countries:
9 Urban than rural
9 In sub-Saharan Africa and Caribbean 50% in adults
9 Overall prevalence higher in women than in men (5 – 10% higher)
9 It starts with sexual activity and with younger age at first age.
9 Seropositivity increases with years of sexual activity.
9 Also increases with number of lifetime partners
9 Lack of circumcision in males
9 Current or recent sexually transmitted infection (STIs)
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