[Herpes simplex virus (hsv-1 and hsv-2) infection: its clinical and oncogenic properties (author's transl)]

The epidemiology and clinical features of diseases caused by the herpes simplex virus, are reviewed and recent results are discussed which give an insight into the complex mechanism of primary and chronic, recurrent HSV-1 infections. Immunological reactions in HSV infection and data concerning the oncogenic potential of HSV-1 and -2 are dealt with. Furthermore, current therapeutic possibilities are outlined.