Herpesvirus: From 1 Different Sources
n. one of a group of DNA-containing viruses causing latent infections in animals (including humans). The herpesviruses are the causative agents of *herpes and chickenpox. The group also includes the *cytomegalovirus and *Epstein–Barr virus. Herpesvirus simiae (virus B) causes an infection in monkeys similar to herpes simplex, but when transmitted to humans it can produce fatal encephalitis.
(acyclovir) n. an antiviral drug that inhibits DNA synthesis in cells infected by *herpesviruses. It is used in the treatment of herpes simplex, herpes zoster, herpetic eye disease, and herpes encephalitis and also in patients whose immune systems are compromised.... aciclovir
n. a highly infectious disease caused by a *herpesvirus (the varicella-zoster virus) that is transmitted by airborne droplets. After an incubation period of 11–18 days a mild fever develops, followed after about 24 hours by an itchy rash of red pimples that soon change to vesicles. These usually start on the trunk or scalp and spread to the face and limbs; they crust over and resolve after about 12 days. Treatment is aimed at reducing the fever and controlling the itching (e.g. by the application of calamine lotion). Complications are rare but include secondary infection and occasionally *encephalitis. The patient is infectious from two days before the spots appear until they all scab over, usually five days after they first appeared. One attack usually confers life-long immunity, although the virus may reactivate at a later date and cause shingles (see herpes). In adult patients who are particularly vulnerable, e.g. those with AIDS or who are otherwise immunosuppressed, chickenpox can be a serious disease, which may be treated with *aciclovir. Medical name: varicella.... chickenpox
(CMV) n. a member of the herpes group of viruses (see herpesvirus). It commonly occurs in humans and normally produces symptoms milder than the common cold. However, in individuals whose immune systems are compromised (e.g. by cancer or AIDS) it can cause more severe effects (such as *retinitis), and it has been found to be the cause of congenital impairment in infants born to women who have contracted the virus during pregnancy.... cytomegalovirus
(EB virus, EBV, human herpesvirus 4, HHV-4) the virus, belonging to the *herpesvirus group, that is the causative agent of *glandular fever. It attacks B *lymphocytes. EB virus is also implicated in hepatitis and in certain cancers (e.g. *Burkitt’s lymphoma and *Hodgkin’s disease). [Sir M. A. Epstein (1921– ) and Y. M. Barr (1932– ), British pathologists]... epstein–barr virus
n. inflammation of the oesophagus (gullet). Frequent regurgitation of acid and peptic juices from the stomach causes reflux oesophagitis, the commonest form, which may be associated with a hiatus *hernia. The main symptoms are heartburn, acid regurgitation, *odynophagia, and sometimes difficulty in swallowing (*dysphagia). Complications include bleeding, *stricture formation, and *Barrett’s oesophagus. It is treated with antacids and by maintaining an upright position, using more pillows at night, eating the evening meal earlier in the day, weight loss, and dietary restraint. In severe cases *fundoplication surgery may be required. Corrosive oesophagitis is caused by the ingestion of caustic acid or alkali. It is often severe and may lead to perforation of the oesophagus and extensive stricture formation. Immediate treatment includes food avoidance and antibiotics; later, stricture dilatation is often needed. Infective oesophagitis is most commonly due to a fungus (Candida) infection in debilitated or immunocompromised patients, especially those being treated with antibiotics, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressant drugs, but is occasionally due to viruses (such as cytomegalovirus or herpesvirus). Eosinophilic oesophagitis is a poorly understood condition characterized by infiltration of the oesophageal lining by excess *eosinophils. Autoimmune disease and food allergy are two commonly proposed causes. Treatment is directed towards exclusion of allergens and oral or inhaled steroids.... oesophagitis
adj. describing a substance, organism, or environment that is known to be a causal factor in the production of a tumour. Some viruses are considered to be oncogenic; these include the *papovaviruses, the *retroviruses, certain *adenoviruses and *herpesviruses, and the *Epstein-Barr virus. See also carcinogen.... oncogenic
(polyradiculopathy) n. any disorder of the peripheral nerves (see neuropathy) in which the brunt of the disease falls on the nerve roots where they emerge from the spinal cord. An abnormal allergic response in the nerve fibres is thought to be one cause of this condition; the *Guillain-Barré syndrome is an example. Other causes include infections (such as syphilis), herpesviruses, and tumours (such as lymphoma or other forms of cancer).... polyradiculitis
(roseola infantum, exanthem subitum) n. a condition of young children in which a fever lasting for three or four days is followed by a rose-coloured maculopapular rash that fades after two days. The commonest exanthematous fever in young children, it is caused by human herpesvirus 6.... roseola
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