Genital herpes simplex virus type 1 infection: new fields for an old acquaintance?

Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2 is the principal agent of chronic remittent genital herpes. Worldwide, only 10-20% of genital isolates are HSV-1. Studies from the British Isles and Scandinavia indicate, however, that HSV-1 is responsible for a significant proportion or even the majority of first clinical episodes of genital herpes in young women. Actual data show that a trend towards genital HSV-1 infections may also hold true for Germany. This article summarizes possible reasons for and consequences of the observed changes in the epidemiology of genital HSV infections. Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel