Eight viruses belong to the genus Herpesvirus. This genus is further
broken down into three subgroups. Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 as
well as Varicella Zoster Virus belong to the subgroup of alpha-herpesviruses.
The beta-herpesvirus subgroup contains Human Cytomegalo Virus and Human
Herpes Virus 6 and 7. Ebstein-Barr Virus and Human Herpes Virus
8 are both gamma-herpesviruses. Herpesviruses share a common viron
structure, with a few highly conserved genes. They are capable of
both productive and latent infections. Primary infections with herpesvirus
tend to be more mild than the disease resulting from reactivation of latent
herpesvirus. The extent of disease in the host is determined by the
ability of the host's immune response to keep the virus under control.
For this reason, most herpes viruses cause more severe disease in the immunocompromised
and the elderly.
Immunization against herpesviruses
could restrict the transmission of the virus, reduce the severity of the
primary disease, and limit the frequency and severity of reactivated
disease. Although currently the only licensed herpesvirus vaccine
is for VZV, many approaches to vaccination are being researched for the
other viruses. Because most of the current US population has one
or more infections, herpesvirus will certainly continue to be a hot research
topic. |
