Herpesviridiae
Crista Wagner
Herpesviridae Taxonomy
Baltimore FAMILY I
• 2XDNA  mRNA directly
• enveloped
Greek herpein "to creep"
• infection creeps latency  acute
• >130 genera
• Varicellovirus: chicken pox & shingles
• Cytomegalovirus: immunocompromised individuals
• Simplexvirus: oral & genital herpes
Simplexvirus Characteristics
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human host, no animal reservoir
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60–95% of adults
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transmitted via infected secretions
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causes painful necrotic lesions
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herpes simplex encephalitis
latent infection course
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acute in epithelia, self-limiting ~14d
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latent in neurons
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recurrence triggered by various factors
Simplexvirus Reproduction
HSV Infection of the Neonate
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1/2000 infected during birth, 3/4 to asymptomatic mothers
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Prevention: MOB acyclovir , caesarean delivery
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SEM: 45% of cases, mortality rate 0%
skin, eye and mouth lesions  CNS or DIS
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CNS: 30% of cases, mortality rate 4%
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central nervous system (encephalitis)
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lethargy, fever, seizures,
neurological dysfunction, brain destruction
DIS: 25% of cases, mortality rate 29%
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disseminated to multiple organ systems: liver & lungs
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lethargy, fever, pneumonia, liver dysfunction, coagulopathy
PCR for viral DNA, 14–21d IV acyclovir
My Questions and Answers
Question: Where are Simplexvirus during latent
infection?
Answer: sensory neurons
No, no. Never, never do you want to have
this slide as part of your presentation!!!
Also…the answer is more detailed than what
you said in your presentation!
Herpesviridae Characteristics
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Baltimore Group I
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2XDNA  mRNA directly
over 130 genera
infect animals or humans
Instead, try something subtle…
enveloped
latent infection course
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latent in neurons
acute in epithelia
Things to Remember
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Dark background with white text is easier to see.
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Background designs can be distracting.
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More than ten words across the slide means your
type is too small to be read.
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Too many words on the slide means you’re being
ignored and everyone is just reading.
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Five minute presentations should have more than 7
slides. More than that, you’ve probably got too
much information to finish on time.