Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) - commonly causes herpes
labialis (also called oral herpes, cold sores or fever
blisters), which are highly infectious open sores that
crust over before healing. Although less probable, HSV-1
can also cause genital herpes.
Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) - a contagious viral infection
primarily causing genital herpes in men and women. The
telltale signs and symptoms of genital herpes include
recurrent clusters of blisters, bumps and rashes in the
genital areas. HSV-2 can also be responsible for herpes
labialis, although lessoften than HSV-1.
Varicella-zoster virus
VZV - Acute inflammatory infection of part of the peripheral
nervous system that produces painful blisters on the
skin over the sites of nerves. Shingles is most common
in adults over 50 years old, but it can be found in
children and younger adults. Shingles occurs only in
persons who have previously had chicken pox. The chicken
pox virus can lie dormant for many years in the patient's
nerves. When reactivated, the virus causes shingles.
Symptoms of shingles include headache, fever, chills,
a rash that develops into clear blisters, and moderate
to severe pain in the area where the infection is active.
Epstein-Barr virus
EBV - is associated with acute infectious mononucleosis
and chronic fatigue syndrome. Mononucelosis is spread
by saliva and nasal secretions and is also known as
the "kissing disease." Initial symptoms last
up to 10 days and include fatigue, lethargy and slight
fever. The acute phase of the illness lasts up to another
10 days and is marked by sore throat, high fever, enlarged
lymph nodes in the neck, enlarged spleen and oftentimes,
a faint, pink rash over the body. The fatigue and lethargy
can last longer than other symptoms.
Cytomegalovirus
CMV; also called Human cytomegalovirus, or HCMV) -
causes many diseases in humans, particularly in infants
and people with compromised immune systems. Symptoms
of a CMV infection include swollen glands, fever and
fatigue. CMV may take the form of hepatitis, mild mononucleosis,
or in newborns, jaundice and low birth weight. In severe
cases of infected infants, CMV may result in brain damage,
deafness, blindness and death. In people with cancer,
transplanted organs, AIDS or other immune deficiencies,
CMV can cause severe diseases of the lungs, colon, eye
or brain.
Humand Herpes Virus 6
Causes roseola infantum--a fever leading to a pale
pink body rash--most commonly in children between the
ages of 6 months and 3 years. Most cases, however, are
asymptomatic, occurring with fever but without a rash.
In older children and adults, the virus can cause mononucleosis-like
symptoms. The virus and its effects on humans are still
being studied.
Human herpes viruses 7 and 8 (HHV-7 and HHV-8) - these
viruses and their effects on humans are still being
studied. HHV-8 is believed to be associated with Kaposi's
sarcoma.