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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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Smallpox

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 31, 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

|July 6, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This systematic review examines antiviral treatments for herpes labialis (cold sores). It assesses oral and topical antivirals, sunscreen, and zinc oxide for effectiveness and safety in treating and preventing cold sores.

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Last Updated: May 31, 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
Evidence-based Medicine

Background:

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) causes common, self-limiting oral blistering (herpes labialis or cold sores).
HSV-1 establishes latency in the trigeminal ganglion, with recurrences triggered by light, stress, or fatigue.
20-40% of adults experience cold sores at some point.

Purpose of the Study:

To systematically review the effectiveness of antiviral treatments for the first attack of herpes labialis.
To evaluate interventions for preventing recurrent herpes labialis.
To assess treatments for recurrent herpes labialis.

Main Methods:

Systematic review of 27 studies including systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and observational studies.
Searched major databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library) up to February 2009.
Included harms alerts from regulatory agencies (FDA, MHRA).

Main Results:

The review synthesized evidence on various interventions for herpes labialis.
GRADE evaluation was used to assess the quality of evidence for different treatments.
Identified interventions included oral antiviral agents, sunscreen, topical anesthetics, topical antiviral agents, and zinc oxide cream.

Conclusions:

Information on the effectiveness and safety of multiple interventions for herpes labialis is presented.
The review covers oral and topical antiviral agents, sunscreen, topical anesthetics, and zinc oxide cream.
This systematic review provides evidence-based insights into managing cold sores.