Abstract
Herpes simplex viruses-1 and -2 (HSV-1 and -2) are two of the three human alphaherpesviruses that cause infections worldwide. Since both viruses can be acquired in the absence of visible signs and symptoms, yet still result in lifelong infection, it is imperative that we provide interventions to keep them at bay, especially in immunocompromised patients. While numerous experimental vaccines are under consideration, current intervention consists solely of antiviral chemotherapeutic agents. This review explores all of the clinically approved drugs used to prevent the worst sequelae of recurrent outbreaks by these viruses.
Highlights
Introduction with Herpes Simplex Viruses1 and -2.The world of anti-herpes simplex agents took flight in 1962 with the FDA approval of idoxuridine [1,2]
Advances in understanding the genetics of herpes simplex viruses-1 and -2 (HSV-1 and -2) and their enzymology have opened the doors to many new, approved, and active pharmaceuticals, all provided as completely synthetic entities, to treat herpes simplex infections
The human herpesviruses HSV-1 and HSV-2 (HSVs) are major human pathogens in the simplexvirus family [3]. Both viruses infect people of all ages, with HSV-1 being more prevalent than HSV-2 [3]; the seroprevalence of the latter tends to increase in different populations as they age [4]
Summary
The human herpesviruses HSV-1 and HSV-2 (HSVs) are major human pathogens in the simplexvirus family [3]. Both viruses infect people of all ages, with HSV-1 being more prevalent than HSV-2 [3]; the seroprevalence of the latter tends to increase in different populations as they age [4]. These viruses tend to retreat to local ganglia, where they remain latent for an indeterminant amount of time [3]. At various times during the life of the host, the latent genomes of these viruses may reactivate and cause productive, lytic infections that may result in clinical signs and symptoms, such as skin lesions, genital sores, keratitis, whitlow, or other mucocutaneous pathologies [3]. Providing antiviral intervention for those most severely affected by these viruses is necessary
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