Which HSV strain is typically associated with oral lesions?

Which HSV strain is typically associated with oral lesions?

• A. HSV-1
• B. HSV-2
• C. Varicella-zoster virus
• D. Epstein-Barr virus

Answer: (A)

Oral herpes lesions are most commonly caused by HSV-1. This strain has a preference for the orofacial region and tends to establish latency in the trigeminal ganglion, with recurrent reactivations presenting as cold sores on the lips or inside the mouth. Transmission is usually through close contact and saliva, often occurring in childhood, which is why many adults carry the virus. HSV-2 is more typically linked to genital herpes, though it can cause oral lesions in some cases. Varicella-zoster virus causes chickenpox and shingles, and Epstein-Barr virus is associated with mononucleosis; neither is the typical cause of oral herpes. Therefore, HSV-1 is the strain most associated with oral lesions.

Oral herpes lesions are most commonly caused by HSV-1. This strain has a preference for the orofacial region and tends to establish latency in the trigeminal ganglion, with recurrent reactivations presenting as cold sores on the lips or inside the mouth. Transmission is usually through close contact and saliva, often occurring in childhood, which is why many adults carry the virus. HSV-2 is more typically linked to genital herpes, though it can cause oral lesions in some cases. Varicella-zoster virus causes chickenpox and shingles, and Epstein-Barr virus is associated with mononucleosis; neither is the typical cause of oral herpes. Therefore, HSV-1 is the strain most associated with oral lesions.