Herpesviridae

Microbiology

• A family of double-stranded DNA viruses that cause disease in humans
• The human herpesviruses are further subdivided into three subfamilies
  • Alphaherpesvirinae: dormant in neurons
    • HHV-1: HSV-1
    • HHV-2: HSV-2
    • HHV-3: VZV
    • Also remember Macacine alphaherpesvirus 1
  • Betaherpesvirinae
    • HHV-5: CMV
    • HHV-6 and HHV-7: roseolaviruses
  • Gammaherpesvirinae: associated with malignancy
    • HHV-4: EBV
    • HHV-8: Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus

Management

• Typically respond to antivirals, including acyclovir, valacyclovir, ganciclovir, valganciclovir, and foscarnet