Herpes Simplex

Mounting evidence suggests that herpes simplex virus 1 may be associated with an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, according to a systematic review of published studies.

Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is likely the most serious herpes infection patients can face. Treatment options for HSE are very limited, with IV acyclovir the only approved antiviral for this devastating infection.

Herpes simplex keratitis is a challenge to diagnose and treat. My guest columnist this month is Sonal S. Tuli, MD, MEd, professor and chair of the department of ophthalmology at the University of Florida.

Despite a decline in herpes simplex virus type 2 infections over the course of decades, researchers calculated that more than 600,000 new infections will still occur every year in the U.S., leading to almost 20 million new cases by 2050.