A nurse practitioner is educating a patient about herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections. Which of the following statements accurately describes a unique characteristic of HSV?
Group of answer choices
- HSV primarily causes lesions in the frontotemporal region of the brain.
- HSV can become latent and reside within nerve ganglia, leading to potential recurrences.
- HSV infection heals within two to three weeks and never recurs.
- HSV infection in pregnant women always results in vertical transmission to the newborn.
The correct answer is:
HSV can become latent and reside within nerve ganglia, leading to potential recurrences.
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Explanation:
A key unique feature of herpes simplex virus (HSV) is its ability to establish latency in sensory nerve ganglia after primary infection, which allows for reactivation and recurrent outbreaks.
- HSV-1: Typically establishes latency in the trigeminal ganglion (oral herpes).
- HSV-2: Typically establishes latency in the sacral ganglia (genital herpes).
Why Not the Others?
- “HSV primarily causes lesions in the frontotemporal region of the brain”:
- While HSV can cause herpes encephalitis (most common in the temporal lobe), this is rare and not a defining feature of typical HSV infections.
- “HSV infection heals within two to three weeks and never recurs”:
- False—HSV lesions heal, but the virus remains dormant and can reactivate.
- “HSV infection in pregnant women always results in vertical transmission”:
- False—Transmission risk is highest during primary HSV infection near delivery, but not guaranteed.
Clinical Implications:
- Antivirals (e.g., acyclovir) can suppress recurrences but do not eliminate latency.
- Neonatal HSV is a severe complication but preventable with C-section if active lesions are present at delivery.
Thus, latency in nerve ganglia is the most accurate and unique characteristic of HSV.
