Biologic Characteristic

Figure : Electron Micrograph Images of Herpesvirus
Linda M Stannard, 1995: DNA-containing viruses.

Figure: Structure of HSV
Kenty: Herpes.

• Herpes simplexvirus-2 (HSV-2) is a neurotropic and neuroinvasive virus, which is the most common cause of genital herpes, a sexually transmitted infection that results in the intermittent outbreak of a painful vesicular skin eruption on the genitalia.

Figure : Icosahedron capsid
Linda M Stannard, 1995: Herpesvirus.

Figure : When the envelope breaks and collapses away from the capsid, negatively stained virions have a typical "fried-egg" appearance.
Linda M Stannard, 1995: Herpesvirus.

• HSV-2 has a relatively large double stranded, linear DNA genome surrounded within an icosahedral capsid, which is wrapped in an envelope. The envelope is joined to the capsid by a tegument. This complete particle is known as the virion (negatively stained).

Figure : The glycoprotein B (gB) is clearly visualized in clusters of spikes approximately 10 nm in length.
Linda M Stannard, 1995: Herpesvirus.

• HSV-2 has no RNA stage. Its family is Herpesviridae and its subfamily is Alphaherpesvirinae as HSV-2 can reproduce quickly. HSV-2 is able to escape the immune response and persists indefinitely in a latent state in certain tissues. Reactivation of the virus is due to the effects of other illnesses such as cold and influenza, eczema, menstruation, emotional and physical stress, it may bring more severe effects than the primary infection.

References:

1. Wikipedia, April 2008: Herpes Simplex Virus. Internet: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herpes_simplex_virus#External_links.
2. Linda M Stannard, 1995: Herpesvirus. Internet: http://web.uct.ac.za/depts/mmi/stannard/herpes.html.
3. Kenty: Herpes. Internet: http://life.nthu.edu.tw/~b871614/articles/final%20report/herpes.htm.

Comments and inquiries are always welcome.

Prepared by Wong Li Chin 1071113696