Predisposing Factors

Age
LEGEND: Precipitating Factors:
Immunodeficiency
Predisposing/Precipitating Factors Direct Contact
Atopy
Disease Process Oral-genital contact
Stress
Disease
Sun exposure
Symptoms and Lab/Diagnosis

The virus attaches to specific

receptors on epithelial cells (skin,
mucous membranes).

The viral envelope merges with

the cell membrane, releasing the
viral capsid inside the cell.

Sign and Symptoms Viral DNA is released from the

Primary infection: capsid and enters the host cell
Fever, malaise, swollen lymph nucleus.
nodes.
Blisters or clusters of small, painful
vesicles at the site of infection (lips,
mouth, genitals, eyes).
Burning, itching, tingling sensation Viral genes are transcribed and
around the lesions. translated, producing new viral
Difficulty eating or drinking due to proteins and DNA.
mouth sores.

Recurrent infection:
Fewer and smaller blisters, usually
occurring in the same location as New viral particles are assembled
previous outbreaks. within the host cell.
Shorter duration of symptoms.

Diagnostic Tool:
Viral Culture New virus particles bud from the
Polymerase chain reaction infected cell membrane and
(PCR) Herpes Simplex
spread to infect other cells.
Serological Tests
Tzanck Smear

During primary infection, some

viral DNA becomes latent in
sensory ganglia near the site of
infection. These latent viruses
can reactivate years later under
certain conditions.