Herpes Simplex Virus Neurovirulence Across the Human Lifespan

Area of Science:

• Neurovirology
• Infectious Diseases
• Neurology

Background:

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV) establishes lifelong latency in sensory neurons, making it a widespread human pathogen.
• While often asymptomatic, HSV infections can lead to severe central nervous system (CNS) manifestations.
• Both initial infections and reactivations can result in viral spread within the brain, causing inflammation and direct neurological damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the pathogenesis of HSV infection and its resulting CNS manifestations across the human lifespan.
• To elucidate the mechanisms underlying HSV-induced CNS damage.
• To identify populations at higher risk for neurological morbidity associated with HSV.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research on HSV pathogenesis and CNS involvement.
• Analysis of clinical presentations and outcomes of HSV CNS infections.
• Synthesis of data on viral replication, spread, and host inflammatory responses in the CNS.

Main Results:

• HSV infection can cause both acute (encephalitis) and subclinical CNS damage.
• Subclinical HSV CNS infections are linked to neurodevelopmental, cognitive, and neurodegenerative impairments.
• HSV pathogenesis in the CNS involves viral replication, spread, and subsequent inflammation.

Conclusions:

• HSV poses a significant threat to neurological health across all ages.
• Further understanding of HSV-induced CNS damage mechanisms is crucial for identifying at-risk populations.
• Investigating viral roles in neurological diseases may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for HSV and other neurological conditions.