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Questions and Answers

Which of the following risk groups is particularly susceptible to Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)?

Elderly individuals

Individuals with diabetes

Adolescents and young adults (correct)

People with asthma

What is the primary mode of transmission for Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)?

Direct blood contact

Contaminated surfaces

Airborne particles

Saliva and close contact (correct)

Which of the following conditions is associated with latency of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)?

Hypothyroidism

Type 2 diabetes

Chronic bronchitis

Burkitt's lymphoma (correct)

What is a key characteristic of Infectious Mononucleosis caused by Epstein-Barr Virus?

Lymphocytosis Signup and view all the answers

What approach is emphasized for the prevention of Epstein-Barr Virus exposure?

Avoiding exposure for immunocompromised individuals Signup and view all the answers

What genetic material do human herpesviruses possess?

Double-stranded DNA Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism is NOT used by herpesviruses for release from host cells?

Cell division Signup and view all the answers

What triggers the reactivation of latent herpesviruses?

Stress and immunosuppression Signup and view all the answers

What type of infections can herpesviruses cause?

Lytic, persistent, latent, and immortalizing infections Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following populations is at risk for HSV-1 infection?

Children Signup and view all the answers

What feature is commonly associated with herpesviruses regarding their lifecycle?

They establish latency in neurons and immune cells. Signup and view all the answers

How is transmission of HSV primarily achieved?

Direct contact with lesion fluids or secretions Signup and view all the answers

Which herpesvirus is associated with the capability to immortalize host cells?

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) Signup and view all the answers

Which clinical manifestation is commonly associated with HSV-1?

Cold sores Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary diagnostic method for HSV infections?

PCR and culture methods Signup and view all the answers

What preventive measure can healthcare workers take when dealing with HSV?

Wearing gloves Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the pathogenesis of Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) during initial infection?

Starts in respiratory tract and spreads via viremia Signup and view all the answers

What is often observed during the reactivation of VZV later in life?

Painful dermatomal rashes Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common cause of viral birth defects in the US?

Cytomegalovirus Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about CMV transmission is correct?

Via direct contact with body fluids Signup and view all the answers

Which population is at higher risk for Shingles?

Immunocompromised individuals Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Herpesviruses: A Comprehensive Overview

Herpesviruses are a diverse group of viruses causing various diseases, from mild to severe.
They possess an icosahedral protein capsid and a lipid envelope with glycoprotein spikes.
Their genetic material is double-stranded DNA.
Replication occurs intracellularly within the nucleus, with mechanisms like exocytosis and cell-to-cell spread.
Herpesviruses can cause a range of infections, including; lytic, persistent, latent, and immortalizing infections.
Examples of infections include Epstein-Barr virus.
Herpesviruses manipulate the host's immune response by synthesizing proteins that interfere with the host immune system.
Latency is established in neurons and immune cells, such as B cells.
Reactivation is triggered by factors like stress, ultraviolet B exposure, and immunosuppression.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

HSV-1 and HSV-2 establish lifelong infections with recurrent outbreaks.
Transmission primarily occurs through oral and genital secretions/lesion fluids.
Transmission can also be via direct contact.
At-risk populations include children with HSV-1, sexually active adults with HSV-2, healthcare workers, immunocompromised individuals, and neonates.
HSV-1 is commonly associated with oral herpes (cold sores).
HSV-2 is commonly associated with genital herpes.
Diagnosis is usually via PCR and culture methods.
Treatment involves antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir, which inhibit viral DNA polymerase. However, these do not eliminate latent infections.
Preventive measures include antiviral prophylaxis, wearing gloves (for healthcare workers), and avoiding contact during active lesions.

Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV)

VZV can cause chickenpox (varicella) in children as a widespread vesicular rash, and shingles (herpes zoster) in individuals later in life, characterized by painful dermatomal rashes.
VZV establishes latency and can reactivate in dorsal root and cranial nerve ganglia (shingles). This is commonly seen in the elderly and immunocompromised.
Transmission occurs via respiratory droplets and direct contact.
Vaccines are available for preventing zoster.
Young children, adults, immunocompromised individuals, and the elderly are at risk.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

CMV is a common cause of congenital birth defects, especially in the US.
Symptoms in neonates: include hearing loss, microcephaly (small head), and retinitis.
Symptoms in adults can range from asymptomatic to mononucleosis-like illness and severe disease in immunocompromised individuals.
Transmission occurs via direct contact with body fluids (saliva, urine, breast milk, and sexual contact).
Emphasis on avoiding exposure, particularly for pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals is a key preventive measure.

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)

EBV causes infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever) characterized by lymphocytosis and symptoms arising from a robust T-cell response that targets infected B cells.
EBV establishes latency in memory B cells and is linked to cancers such as Burkitt's lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and other lymphomas in immunocompromised individuals.
Transmission occurs primarily through saliva ("kissing disease") and close contact.