Pathogenesis (development of disease)
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is transmitted by saliva and causes predominantly skin and mucosal infections of the upper body, such as cold sores. It is responsible for approximately 30% of cases of genital herpes. The infestation is up to more than 90 % of the population. The herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-1) is transmitted primarily through sexual intercourse and thus predominantly causes skin and mucous membrane infections in the genital area such as genital herpes. The infection currently reaches up to 30% of the population. The tendency is increasing. The viruses also spread in the nervous system. Since they are not recognized by the body, they remain in the ganglia and cause a new outbreak of symptoms in an immunocompromised state.
Etiology (causes)
Behavioral risk factors
- Close physical contact
- Sexual transmission
- Promiscuity (sexual contact with relatively frequently changing different partners).
- Prostitution
- Men who have sex with men (MSM).
- Sexual contacts in the vacation country
- Unprotected coitus
- Sexual practices with high risk of mucosal injury (e.g., unprotected anal intercourse/anal sex).
Disease-related causes
- Immunodeficiency – weakened immune defenses.
