Prevention and control of herpesvirus diseases. Part 2. Epidemiology and immunology

This is the second of two articles summarizing the information currently available on herpes virus diseases. The first described the different members of the herpesvirus group, clinical expression of infection, laboratory diagnosis, and chemotherapy. This article dealing with the epidemiological and immunological aspects of herpesvirus infections also brings up the special problems caused by virus latency and risks associated with congenital infection and immunodeficiency or immunodepressive treatment. The prospects of preventing herpesvirus infections by vaccination and treatment with immune sera are also discussed.