Human Herpes Viruses

Humanherpes viruses (HHV) are a group of DNA viruses, important in human disease.

Subtypes

HHV-1 also known as Herpes Simplex Virus 1

HHV-2 also known as Herpes Simplex Virus 2

HHV-3 also know as Varicella-zoster virus (VZV)

HHV-4 also known as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)

HHV-5 also known as Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

HHV-6

HHV-7

HHV-8 also known as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)

Diseases

HHV-1 and -2 cause "Herpes" (see Sexually transmitted disease).

HHV-3 (VZV) is the causative agent of Chicken Pox and Shingles.

HHV-4 (EBV) is one of the causes of mononucleosis and can cause many more serious diseases, especially in patients who are immunocompromised. It is also one of the oncogenic (cancer-causing) viruses, responsible for some types of lymphoma. In transplant patients, EBV is responsible for post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease.

HHV-5 (CMV) is the most common cause of mononucleosis.

HHV-8 causes Kaposi's sarcoma, a common disease in advanced AIDS, also seen in other immunocompromised individuals.