Herpes Viruses

Humanherpes viruses (HHV) are a family of eight Viruses that attack humans causing specific diseases depending on the virus.

Subtypes[edit]

HHV-1 also known as Herpes Simplex Virus 1

HHV-2 also known as Herpes Simplex Virus 2

HHV-3 also know as Varicella-zoster virus (VZV)

HHV-4 also known as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)

HHV-5 also known as Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

HHV-6 also known as Roseolovirus

HHV-7 also known as Roseolovirus

HHV-8 also known as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)

Diseases[edit]

HHV-1 and -2 cause oral and genital "Herpes" (see Sexually transmitted disease).^[1]

HHV-3 (VZV) is the causative agent of Chicken Pox and Shingles.

HHV-4 (EBV) is one of the causes of mononucleosis and can cause many more serious diseases, especially in patients who are immunocompromised. It is also one of the oncogenic (cancer-causing) viruses, responsible for some types of lymphoma.

HHV-5 (CMV) is the most common cause of mononucleosis.

HHV-6 and-7 cause "Sixth disease" or the misleadingly named "baby measles", a childhood disease causing rash and fever.

HHV-8 causes Kaposi's sarcoma, a common disease in advanced AIDS, also seen in other immunocompromised individuals.

References[edit]

1. ↑ Note: HHV-1 is more likely to cause oral herpes, HHV-2 is more likely to cause genital.