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Herpes Simplex Virus

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Bryan P. Simmons*
Affiliation:
Department of Infectious Diseases, Methodist Central Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
Michael S. Gelfand
Affiliation:
Department of Infectious Diseases, Methodist Central Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
*
1265 Union Avenue, Methodist Central Hospital, Memphis, TN 38104

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes a variety of illnesses in th e community and hospital settings (Table). Nosocomial infections with this virus may result from: 1) reactivation of latent infection, especially in patients whose immune systems are compromised; 2) spread from mother to infant; 3) spread from patients to hospital personnel; 4) spread from hospital personnel to patients; and 5) cross-infection among patients. The latter two possibilities seem to occur infrequently but merit some discussion because of the serious implications of such infections.

Type
Special Sections
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 1986

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