So far, treatment for herpesviruses has been incapable of fully eliminating the virus from its host, meaning the latent infection is lifelong. ... read more
Herpes simplex virus type 1 causes cold sores, while herpes simplex type 2 is responsible for genital herpes. Human cytomegalovirus can cause birth defects if transmitted from mother to fetus. Epstein-Barr virus, another version, can cause mononucleosis or even cancer. read more
Most adults carry multiple herpesviruses. Following the initial acute infection, these viruses establish life-long infections in their hosts and cause cold sores, keratitis, genital herpes, shingles, infectious mononucleosis, and other diseases. Some herpesviruses can cause cancer in man. read more