herpesvirus
Meaning of herpesvirus: A herpesvirus is any member of a large family of viruses that establish lifelong latent infection in the body after initial exposure.
Definition of herpesvirus
A herpesvirus is a member of a family of viruses that share certain structural features and a characteristic ability to remain dormant, or latent, within the body after the initial infection resolves. Several herpesviruses infect humans, including those responsible for cold sores and genital herpes, chickenpox and shingles, and infectious mononucleosis, among others.
After the first infection, a herpesvirus can remain inactive within certain cells for long periods, sometimes indefinitely, and may periodically reactivate to cause recurrent symptoms, particularly during times of illness, stress, or a weakened immune system. The specific symptoms and pattern of reactivation depend on which herpesvirus is involved.
Although the different herpesviruses share this general life cycle, they vary considerably in the parts of the body they typically affect and the symptoms and complications they can cause.
Used in a sentence
Laboratory testing confirmed infection with a herpesvirus following the appearance of the characteristic lesions.
Good to know
Latency describes a herpesvirus becoming dormant within cells rather than being fully cleared from the body, which is why infection with a herpesvirus can recur long after the initial illness has resolved.
Word origin
Where “herpesvirus” comes from
Formed from herpes, from Greek herpein, meaning "to creep," describing the spreading pattern of the associated skin lesions, combined with virus, from Latin virus, meaning "poison."