[Herpes simplex]

Publications concerning herpes virus hominis and other viruses of the herpes group have appeared with increasing frequency in the last few years. The mechanism of recurrence is yet not fully elucidated and therapy still remains a problem. The fulminant course of herpes sepsis in the newborn and the generalized herpes infection in the immunodeficient patient can be treated only with difficulty. Neurologic and ophthalmic disease in children can often be linked to neonatal herpes infections. In the category of sexually transmitted diseases, herpes genitalis is becoming more significant. Numerous observations indicate that herpes virus hominis and other members of the herpes group are potential oncogenic agents. This paper presents an overview of recent findings.