Virological aspects on herpesvirus infections.

The family herpesviridae include five important human pathogens, herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1, HSV-2), varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV). The five viruses are represented in all three herpesvirus subfamilies, a subdivision based on differences in phenotypic properties such as length of replication cycle, cytotoxic properties and host cell range. The herpesviruses have DNA genomes sharing characteristic anatomical features. They replicate in the nuclei of eukaryotic cells and produce virions consisting of enveloped icosahedral nucleocapsids. Although all herpesviruses can establish latent infections in selected target cells, conditions for establishment and maintenance of latency vary between the members of the herpesvirus family.