Herpes and its Complex Structure

Herpes is a group of helminthiases, related to the skin and mucous membranes which is characterized by formation of bubbles on affected tissues. At present there are more than 100 types of herpes viruses known. 8 types out of them may cause various diseases in a person. The most widespread diseases of this group are simple herpes and herpes zoster.

Herpes simplex is a virus that directly affects the skin and mucous membranes of a person. Relying on the localization principle of affected skin and mucous membranes, there distinguished two basic types of herpes simplex: genital herpes that hits the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals and non-genital herpes which hits the skin of other body parts.

The virus of herpes simplex is basically transmitted by contacting, for example a kiss or sexual intercourse and through using household stuff. Airborne transmitting of the infection is also possible. Absorption of herpes virus occurs on the mucous membranes of an oral cavity, upper respiratory ways and genitals. Coming through tissues, the virus gets into the blood and lymph.

With the blood lymph, the herpes is brought to lymph nodes, various internal bodies and sensitive ganglia of the spinal cord. The immune system reacts to penetration of the herpes by developing specific antibodies, blocking virus particles, circulating in blood.

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ACYCLOVIR (Zovirax®) is a most famous treatment of certain viruses, including herpes infections. Acyclovir promotes effective healing of the sores and makes the process painless. Occasionally acyclovir is taken with prevention measures, directed to the infection and its not coming back. Acyclovir has also an extreme efficacy in treating shingles and chickenpox.