The Changing Epidemiology of Herpes Simplex Virus Type ۱ Infection: The Associated Effects on the Incidence of Ocular Herpes

Herpes simplex virus type ۱ (HSV-۱) with a worldwide distribution has been reported in all human populations, resulting in a clinical spectrum of infections. Although HSV type ۲ (HSV-۲) is known as the most common cause of genital herpes, an increasing number of cases with genital herpes are caused by HSV-۱. The present study aimed to discuss the changes in the epidemiology of HSV-۱ infection including the decline in the general incidence of HSV-۱ infection in childhood and the increased rate of genital herpes, caused by HSV-۱. Moreover, changes in the epidemiology of ocular herpes, i.e., the reduced rate of primary ocular herpes in children and increased incidence of ocular HSV infection in adults, were discussed.

Keywords:

Herpes simplex virus type ۱ (HSV-۱) , Ocular herpes , Genital herpes , Epidemiology