Human herpesvirus 2 _____.
a. can cause genital herpes
b. may infect a baby at birth
c. causes about 10% of cold sores
d. all of the above

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the characteristics of Human herpesvirus 2 (HHV-2), also known as Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2). It is primarily associated with genital herpes infections.

Step 2: Recognize that HHV-2 can be transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth, which means it may infect a baby at birth.

Step 3: Know that cold sores are most commonly caused by Human herpesvirus 1 (HHV-1), not HHV-2. HHV-2 is less commonly involved in cold sores, accounting for a smaller percentage.

Step 4: Evaluate the options: (a) HHV-2 can cause genital herpes, (b) it may infect a baby at birth, and (c) it causes about 10% of cold sores. Since (c) is partially true but less common, consider if 'all of the above' is accurate.

Step 5: Conclude that since HHV-2 can cause genital herpes, may infect a baby at birth, and is responsible for a minority of cold sores, the best answer is 'all of the above'.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Human Herpesvirus 2 (HSV-2) Characteristics

HSV-2 is a virus primarily responsible for genital herpes, a common sexually transmitted infection. It establishes latency in nerve cells and can reactivate, causing recurrent symptoms. Understanding its transmission and clinical manifestations is key to identifying its role in disease.

Neonatal Herpes Infection

HSV-2 can be transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth, leading to neonatal herpes. This infection can be severe, affecting the skin, eyes, mouth, or central nervous system, highlighting the importance of maternal screening and management.

HSV-1 vs HSV-2 in Cold Sores

Cold sores are mostly caused by HSV-1, but HSV-2 can also cause about 10% of these lesions. Differentiating between HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections helps in understanding the epidemiology and clinical presentation of herpesvirus infections.

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