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Herpes

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Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV‑1) is a widespread pathogen responsible for orolabial lesions. It is an enveloped, double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) virus belonging to the family Herpesviridae. Once the virus infects a host cell, its double‑stranded DNA genome is delivered into the nucleus, where a coordinated cascade of immediate‑early, early, and late gene expression directs viral DNA replication, structural protein synthesis, and virion assembly. After primary infection of epithelial cells, HSV-1...

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Chickenpox is an acute, highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Herpesviridae family. Its transmission occurs primarily through the inhalation of respiratory droplets or direct contact with vesicular fluid from skin lesions. The incubation period typically ranges from 10 to 21 days, during which the virus replicates and disseminates through sequential phases within the host. Although generally self-limiting in children,...

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Rabies is a lethal zoonotic disease caused by a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus of the Lyssavirus genus, within the family Rhabdoviridae. Its primary mode of transmission to humans is through bites or saliva-contaminated scratches from infected mammals such as dogs, bats, raccoons, or foxes. Transmission can also occur if infectious saliva contacts abraded skin or intact mucous membranes, including the conjunctiva.Viral Entry and Early ReplicationOnce introduced at the bite or scratch...

Smallpox

Smallpox

Smallpox is a severe contagious disease caused by the Variola major virus, a double-stranded DNA member of the Poxviridae family.Variola major transmission occurs primarily via inhalation of virus-laden droplets or direct contact with infectious scabs. The incubation period averages approximately seven days, although it may range from 7 to 17 days depending on the inoculum and host factors.Clinically, the prodromal phase is marked by an abrupt onset of high fever, malaise, headache, and myalgia.

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Detection of the Genome and Transcripts of a Persistent DNA Virus in Neuronal Tissues by Fluorescent In situ Hybridization Combined with Immunostaining

Detection of the Genome and Transcripts of a Persistent DNA Virus in Neuronal Tissues by Fluorescent In situ Hybridization Combined with Immunostaining

Published on: January 23, 2014

Herpes labialis.

Graham Worrall¹

¹Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland, Canada.

BMJ Clinical Evidence

|May 21, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Antiviral treatments and zinc oxide cream show effectiveness for herpes labialis (cold sores). This systematic review evaluates treatments for first-time and recurrent cold sore attacks, aiding clinical decisions.

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Last Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Detection of the Genome and Transcripts of a Persistent DNA Virus in Neuronal Tissues by Fluorescent In situ Hybridization Combined with Immunostaining

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Area of Science:

Virology
Dermatology
Pharmacology

Background:

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) causes common, self-limiting oral blistering (cold sores), affecting 20-40% of adults.
The virus establishes latency in the trigeminal ganglion post-primary infection, with recurrences triggered by stress, light, or fatigue.

Purpose of the Study:

To systematically review the efficacy and safety of antiviral treatments for the initial herpes labialis attack.
To assess interventions for preventing recurrent herpes labialis.
To evaluate treatments for managing recurrent herpes labialis episodes.

Main Methods:

A systematic literature review was conducted, searching major databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library) up to April 2006.
Included 25 systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and observational studies.
GRADE methodology was used to evaluate the quality of evidence for various interventions.

Main Results:

Evidence was synthesized for oral antiviral agents (acyclovir, valaciclovir), topical antiviral agents (acyclovir, penciclovir), sunscreen, topical anesthetics, and zinc oxide cream.
The review identified interventions with varying degrees of effectiveness and safety profiles for herpes labialis.

Conclusions:

Oral and topical antiviral agents, alongside zinc oxide cream, are highlighted for their effectiveness in managing herpes labialis.
The review provides a comprehensive overview of evidence-based interventions for both primary and recurrent cold sore infections.