Herpes Simplex Virus

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes a variety of illnesses in th e community and hospital settings (Table). Nosocomial infections with this virus may result from: 1) reactivation of latent infection, especially in patients whose immune systems are compromised; 2) spread from mother to infant; 3) spread from patients to hospital personnel; 4) spread from hospital personnel to patients; and 5) cross-infection among patients. The latter two possibilities seem to occur infrequently but merit some discussion because of the serious implications of such infections.