• A Comprehensive Review of Human Herpesviruses
  • Sogand emam zade jafari,1 Saman Hakimian,2,*
    1. Tonekabon Azad University of Medical Sciences Iran
    2. Phd. student of Microbiology ,Biology department , Islamic Azad University Central Tehran Branch, Tehran , Iran


  • Introduction: Introduction:   Human herpesviruses (HHVs), including HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, EBV, CMV, HHV-6, HHV-7, and HHV-8, are responsible for a wide range of diseases—from mild cutaneous lesions to severe systemic infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. These viruses often establish a primary, usually asymptomatic infection and remain latent in the host, with the potential for reactivation at various times. Due to their global prevalence and the limitations in treatment and prevention—such as drug resistance—there is an increasing need for advanced diagnostic tools and effective vaccines.
  • Methods: Material methods: Herpesviruses are a group of DNA viruses that replicate within the host cell nucleus and are transmitted through direct contact with lesions or bodily fluids. The Herpesviridae family is divided into three subfamilies: Alpha-, Beta-, and Gammaherpesvirinae, which include eight human herpesviruses: HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, EBV, CMV, HHV-6, HHV-7, and HHV-8.   Primary infection is often asymptomatic but may cause cytopathic effects within 2 to 7 days. These viruses also enter a latent phase within the body. Some evidence suggests that HSV-2 antibodies are significantly more prevalent in patients with cervical cancer, indicating a possible link between this virus and certain malignancies.
  • Results: Results: Herpesviruses persist lifelong in the human body and can reactivate under certain conditions. Their latency and reactivation complicate management, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Current therapies reduce symptoms but are not curative. Moreover, the lack of effective vaccines contributes to continued transmission. Considering rising antiviral resistance and the complex nature of these infections, research into innovative therapies and vaccine development is urgently needed.
  • Conclusion: Conclusion: HSV-1 and HSV-2 cause mucocutaneous lesions and, in severe cases, may lead to meningitis or encephalitis. VZV causes chickenpox as a primary infection and shingles upon reactivation. Beta-herpesviruses are often asymptomatic but may cause severe disease in immunocompromised hosts. EBV is associated with infectious mononucleosis and cancers like Burkitt lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. HHV-8 is linked to Kaposi’s sarcoma and some lymphomas.
  • Keywords: Diagnosis, Treatment, Latency, Vaccine ٫human herpes virus