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A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation
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Herpes simplex type 1 infections in group day care

D L Schmitt1, D W Johnson, F W Henderson

  • 1Frank Porter Graham Child Development Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-8180.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|October 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Herpes simplex virus type 1 infection is common in young children attending daycare, with 37% infected by age five. While outbreaks occur, most infections are sporadic and gingivostomatitis doesn't increase transmission.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Virology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a common viral infection.
  • Understanding HSV-1 transmission in group settings like daycares is crucial for public health.
  • Daycare environments may facilitate the spread of infectious agents among young children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the patterns of HSV-1 infection, illness, and transmission in children attending a research daycare center.
  • To determine the incidence and age-specific prevalence of HSV-1 infection in this cohort.
  • To analyze the role of outbreaks versus sporadic cases in HSV-1 spread.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal follow-up of 115 children from infancy in a research daycare setting.
  • Data collection included virus isolation and seroconversion for HSV-1 diagnosis.
  • Clinical data on symptoms like gingivostomatitis were recorded.

Main Results:

  • By age five, 37% of children showed evidence of HSV-1 infection (virus isolation/seroconversion).
  • Infection incidence peaked in children aged 1-2 years.
  • Four small outbreaks (≤6 children) occurred, accounting for 55% of primary infections; others were sporadic. Gingivostomatitis was seen in 26% of culture-proven primary infections but not in serology-only cases.
  • Gingivostomatitis did not correlate with increased HSV-1 transmission.

Conclusions:

  • HSV-1 infection is prevalent in young children in daycare settings, with highest incidence in toddlers.
  • While small outbreaks contribute to spread, sporadic infections are also significant.
  • Gingivostomatitis is a common manifestation of primary HSV-1 infection but does not appear to drive transmission in this group setting.

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