Conditions caused by herpesviruses
All of the following medical conditions are caused by viruses from the herpes family.
| Genital herpes |
Genital herpes is one of the most common causes of sores, blisters and rashes on the genitals. It is an infectious condition, caused by herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), transmitted by skin-to-skin contact usually during sex. The condition may cause recurrent outbreaks of blisters or sores on or around the genitals, but it frequently goes undiagnosed or even unnoticed. Antiviral drugs are effective in reducing the number, severity and duration of outbreaks. They can also prevent transmission of the virus between partners. Read more… |
| Oral herpes |
Oral herpes, or cold sores, are small blisters or sores on the face, usually on the lips or nose. They are an infectious condition, most commonly caused by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). The virus is transmitted via skin-to-skin contact, usually by kissing. Cold sores may occur in recurrent outbreaks, usually lasting several days. Read more… |
| Varicella |
Varicella, or chickenpox, is a common illness of childhood, typically causing a fever and a rash. The rash initially consists of small pimple-like dots, which turn into blisters and then form scabs, which are typically very itchy. The illnes is caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV), which is highly contagious. Since the early 2000s there has been a vaccine against VZV; it is now a part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule in Australia. Read more… |
| Herpes zoster |
Herpes zoster, more commonly known as shingles, is caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV), which remains in the body indefinitely, usually following the illness of chickenpox. The virus reactivates when a person's immune system is damaged, either by illnesses such as AIDS or treatments such as steroids or chemotherapy for cancer. Shingles causes an intensely painful rash, usually affecting one or more dermatomes (the area of skin supplied by a particular spinal nerve root). Antiviral treatments significantly reduce the pain, duration and complications of shingles. Read more… |
| Post herpetic neuralgia |
Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of shingles. It causes continuing pain, after the rash from shingles has healed. The pain is caused by scarring of nervous system tissue in the spinal cord. It may be burning, stabbing, or throbbing, and it may affect more areas than the original shingles pain. PHN is more likely in older people and can be a serious debilitating condition. It is much less likely in people who receive prompt antiviral treatment for outbreaks of shingles. Read more… |
| Herpes encephalitis |
Herpes encaphalitis is a rare but severe infection of the brain, caused by movement of the HSV-1 virus up a nerve from an infected area of the face. The condition may appear as fever, confusion, and altered personality, leading to loss of consciousness. There is a high death rate, even with treatment. Read more… |
| Herpetic dermatitis and whitlow |
Herpetic dermatitis and herpetic whitlow are sores or rashes caused by the herpes simplex viruses, HSV-1 and HSV-2. The symptoms may resemble cold sores or the ulcers and sores of genital herpes, but different parts of the body are affected. Read more… |
| Neonatal herpes |
Neonatal herpes is a rare but serious illness of newborn babies. It most commonly appears as a general infection which may affect the lungs, liver, and brain of the baby. There is usually a rash, but some infants with herpes do not develop one. There is a high death rate, even with treatment. Read more… |
| Cytomegalovirus-related disease |
Cytomegalovirus—also known as CMV or human herpesvirus-5—is responsible for several conditions. These are different according to the person's age and health. They include:
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| Eye infections |
Herpesvirus cause several conditions of the eye, including inflammation, ulcers and scarring of the surface of the eye, as well as inflammation of the retina. These conditions can be very painful and may lead to blindness. Read more… |
| Infectious mononucleosis |
Infectious mononucleosis, commonly known in Australia as glandular fever, is an infectious disease most common in adolescents and young adults. The illness is usually caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) but other viruses such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) may also cause the condition. Symptoms generally include fever, sore throat and lethargy. The liver may also be affected. The virus is transmitted in saliva, hence the other name for the condition - the "kissing disease". Read more… |
| Roseola |
Roseola, also known as exanthem subitum, roseola infantum or sixth disease is a relatively mild disease, usually affecting infants. It usually causes a fever lasting about three days, followed by a rash. The condition may be very mild, or even unnoticed, and serious complications are rare. Read more… |
| Kaposi sarcoma |
Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a cancer caused by human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8). In Australia, it is most commonly seen in people with immune system damage due to HIV infection. It causes disfiguring raised nodules or "blotches", usually on the skin but commonly in the mouth or gastrintestinal system. Read more… |
| HIV associated conditions | Read more… |