Where is herpes virus found

The researchers compared the HSV-1 and HSV-2 gene sequences to the family tree of simplex viruses from eight monkey and ape host species. Using advanced models of molecular evolution, the scientists were able to more accurately estimate ancient viral divergence times. This approach allowed them to determine when HSV-1 and HSV-2 were introduced into humans with far more precision than standard models that do not account for natural selection over the course of viral evolution.

The genetics of human and primate herpes viruses were examined to assess their similarity. The viral family tree showed that HSV-2 was far more genetically similar to the herpes virus found in chimpanzees.

This level of divergence indicated that humans must have acquired HSV-2 from an ancestor of modern chimpanzees about 1. This virus can show up as an upper respiratory tract infection during early childhood. HSV II is the cause of most cases of genital herpes. Clinicians cannot tell the difference between the two types by physical examination alone, but there are differences between the two viruses.

This diagnosis can be helpful in establishing a health care plan. You can catch genital herpes by having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has the disease. The herpes simplex viruses are latent, meaning they can live in the body without causing symptoms. After the initial infection, the virus gets into the nerve roots and spreads to the sensory nerve ganglia, the junctions where nerves from different parts of the body come together.

For the genital area, the ganglia are adjacent to the spinal cord in the lower back. For orofacial herpes cold sores , the ganglia are located behind the cheek bone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , approximately 40 million to 50 million adults in the United States have genital herpes.

HSV II infection is more common in women and in people who have had more than five sexual partners. While some people with genital herpes will never have any symptoms, other people can develop symptoms within a few weeks of being infected. Most people notice a group or cluster of blisters or ulcers lesions. These lesions burn and can be painful. They can appear on the buttocks, anus or thighs, on the vulva or vagina in women, and on the penis or scrotum in men.

Often, before the lesions appear, patients describe a prodrome, characterized by a tingling or burning sensation in the area where the lesions will develop that can be noticed during urination, along with itching or discomfort in the genital area. The symptoms of genital herpes often go away and come back as recurring outbreaks. For most people, the first outbreak is the worst, and can last from two to three weeks.

Future flare-ups are often less severe and do not last as long. Still, some people shed the virus regularly. The following triggers can make outbreaks more likely to occur:. Recurrent genital herpes is most common in the first year after the initial infection and decreases as time goes on. In many cases, anti-herpes medicine can help patients. When a person experiences a prodrome and suspects a recurrence is going to happen, they begin taking anti-herpes medications that lessen symptoms and shorten the time of the outbreak.

Herpes can be spread when an infected person has lesions — blisters and open sores — on their body or when you do not have any symptoms. Taking antiviral medicine can help you reduce the risk of spreading genital herpes to your sexual partners.

You can also:. Many new herpes infections occur from partners who are shedding the virus asymptomatically, so condoms are highly recommended.

Condoms may not be an attractive option for monogamous couples or for couples who desire to become pregnant. Couples may opt to have serological tests to determine if either partner has an asymptomatic infection. In close monogamous relationships, the risks of transmission can be weighed against other relationship issues, such as intimacy and pregnancy.

Genital herpes cannot be transmitted to another part of your body such as your arm, leg or hand after the first infection occurs. The immune system produces antibodies that protect other parts of your body from infection. However, there are cases where a person has multiple site infections from the same virus. This is usually acquired at the time of the first infection.

For example, if someone has never had herpes but then has oral and genital sex with an infected partner, they can acquire the infection at both sites. Yes: Genital herpes types I or II can be transmitted by oral sex. Cold sores are usually caused by HSV I. These people:. Herpes simplex viruses spread from person to person through close contact.

You can get a herpes simplex virus from touching a herpes sore. Most people, however, get herpes simplex from an infected person who does not have sores.

Most people get genital herpes from HSV-2, which they get during sex. If someone has a cold sore and performs oral sex, this can spread HSV-1 to the genitals, and cause herpes sores on the genitals. Mothers can give the herpes virus to their baby during childbirth.

If the baby is born during the mother's first episode of genital herpes, the baby can have serious problems. Once a person becomes infected with a herpes virus, the virus never leaves the body. After the first outbreak, the virus moves from the skin cells to nerve cells.

The virus stays in the nerve cells forever.