Herpes Simplex Virus
Also written as HSV.
Multinucleated giant cells (Tzanck-type changes) with painful ulcers are classic for herpes simplex virus infection.
Herpes Simplex Virus
- HSV-1 — oral mucosa, skin (especially face), respiratory tract
- HSV-2 — genital mucosa and skin; transmitted at birth (neonatal herpes)
- Oral herpes / cold sores (herpes labialis) — HSV-1
- Genital herpes — HSV-2 (occasionally HSV-1)
- Herpes encephalitis — HSV-1; most common cause of sporadic viral encephalitis
Read this in MKU Medical Virology Exam Guide: HIV, CMV, Vaccines & More
What our notes say
- Multinucleated giant cells (Tzanck-type changes) with painful ulcers are classic for herpes simplex virus infection. (Male Reproductive & Urinary Tract Pathology MCQs | MKU Year 3 Medicine)
- A 24-year-old woman is diagnosed with genital herpes simplex virus infection. (MBPL3822 Chemotherapy CAT 1 MCQs)
- Severe chronic cervicitis with herpes simplex virus (HSV) (Female system — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
- Within the next year, this infant has bouts of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia, Aspergillus fumigatus pneumonia, and parainfluenza virus and herpes simplex virus upper respiratory infections. (Immunopathology complete mcqs — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
- Genital herpes — Herpes simplex virus type 2 (multiple painful vesicles/ulcers) (Female & Male Genital Pathology: Ulcers, HPV, Endometriosis, Pre-eclampsia)
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 & HSV-2) — structure, portal of entry, pathogenesis, latency, diseases, selective toxicity of acyclovir, diagnosis, treatment (EXAM NOTES: VIROLOGY YR3)
Study material on Herpes Simplex Virus
- EXAM NOTES: VIROLOGY YR3
- Herpesviridae: HSV-1, HSV-2 Pathogenesis & Clinical Diseases
- Medical Microbiology III Exam: Viruses, Fungi & Diagnosis
- Medical Mycology Q&A Section B
- MBChB Year 3 Medical Virology Exam Notes: HSV, CMV, EBV
- Herpesviruses: HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Tx
- Herpesviridae: HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Treatment
- MKU Medical Virology Exam Guide: HIV, CMV, Vaccines & More
- Medical Virology Exam Notes: Pathogenesis, HSV, CMV, Hepatitis, Flu
- Medical Virology & Mycology Paper Two 2022/2023 — MKU MBMM 3300 Questions & Answers
- Herpesviridae: HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Treatment — Practice Questions
- Weekly Year 2: Microbiology Exam - April 21, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
Practice questions on Herpes Simplex Virus
A 24-year-old woman is diagnosed with genital herpes simplex virus infection. Which agent is indicated for use in this diagnosis?
- Zanamivir
- Cidofovir
- Ganciclovir
- Valacyclovir
- Mostly unchanged in early disease
Answer: A. Valacyclovir, famciclovir, penciclovir, and acyclovir are all indicated for herpes simplex virus infection. Cidofovir and ganciclovir are used for CMV retinitis. Zanamivir is indicated for influenza. ---
For genital herpes simplex virus infection, acyclovir (or its prodrug valacyclovir, or famciclovir) is the standard treatment to suppress viral replication and reduce the severity and duration of outbreaks.
- A) Acyclovir
- B) Amoxicillin
- C) Fluconazole
- D) Doxycycline
Answer: A. Acyclovir is a nucleoside analog that is effective against herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, including genital herpes. It works by inhibiting viral DNA polymerase. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic, fluconazole is an antifungal, and doxycycline is an antibiotic, none of which are effective against HSV.
A 24-year-old woman is diagnosed with genital herpes simplex virus infection. Which agent is indicated for use in this diagnosis?
- Acyclovir
- Fluconazole
- Doxycycline
- Azithromycin
Answer: A. Acyclovir is a highly effective antiviral medication used for the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections, including genital herpes.
A 24-year-old woman is diagnosed with genital herpes simplex virus infection. Which agent is indicated for use in this diagnosis?
- Penicillin G
- Acyclovir
- Metronidazole
- Fluconazole
Answer: B. Acyclovir is a nucleoside analog that inhibits viral DNA replication and is a first-line antiviral agent for the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections, including genital herpes.
A 24-year-old woman is diagnosed with genital herpes simplex virus (HSV-2). Which agent is indicated for treatment?
- Oseltamivir
- Acyclovir
- Ribavirin
- Zidovudine
Answer: B. Acyclovir is the first-line treatment for HSV infections.
A 24-year-old woman is diagnosed with genital herpes simplex virus infection. Which agent is indicated for treatment?
- Acyclovir
- Oseltamivir
- Ribavirin
- Zidovudine
Answer: A. Acyclovir is the gold standard for treating HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections.