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Herpetic gingivostomatitis is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The HSV is a double-stranded DNA virus categorised into two types; HSV-1 and HSV-2.HSV-1 is predominantly responsible for oral, facial and ocular infections whereas HSV-2 is responsible for most genital and cutaneous lower herpetic lesions.
Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) are two members of the human Herpesviridae family, a set of viruses that produce viral infections in the majority of humans. [1] [2] Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are very common and contagious. They can be spread when an infected person begins shedding the virus.
According to a 2006 estimate, 57% of American adults were infected with HSV-1, [3] which is spread through droplets, casual contact and sometimes sexual contact, though most infected people never have cold sores. The rest of cases are due to HSV-2, which is typically spread through sexual contact and is the cause of genital herpes.
Worldwide rates of either HSV-1 and/or HSV-2 are between 60 and 95% in adults. [4] HSV-1 is more common than HSV-2, with rates of both increasing as people age. [4] HSV-1 rates are between 70% and 80% in populations of low socioeconomic status and 40% to 60% in populations of improved socioeconomic status. [4]
Primary HSV infections in adults often results in pharyngitis similar to that observed in glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis), but gingivostomatitis is less likely. [15] [16] Recurrent oral infection is more common with HSV-1 infections than with HSV-2. Symptoms typically progress in a series of eight stages:
Diagnosis is typically based on symptoms and supported by blood tests, medical imaging, and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid. [2] Certain types are preventable with vaccines. [5] Treatment may include antiviral medications (such as acyclovir), anticonvulsants, and corticosteroids. [1] Treatment generally takes place in hospital. [1]
Herpes simplex virus 1 infects humans, most often as cold sores. It is very common and contagious; about 67% of the world population under the age of 50 has Herpes simplex virus 1. [5] It is often acquired orally during childhood.
The virus may spread since the first symptoms appear until lesions are completely healed. The incubation period is situated between 3 and 14 days. This means that a person will experience the symptoms within 14 days after he or she contracted the infection. This type of virus may be transmitted even if the symptoms are not yet present.