<aside> 💡 Commonest encapsulated ds. DNA viruses, with unique latent period.

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Latency is primary infection followed by persistence of viral genome with in host without replication or immune recognition followed by episodic reactivation*

8 types in 3 subgroups & 3 clinical phases “Acute → Latent → Reactivation”

• α-group: HSV-1, HSV-2 & VZV. – latency in Neurons.
• β-group: CMV & HSV-6, HSV-7. – latency in monocytes & Macrophages.
• γ-group: EBV & HHV-8 (KSHV). – latency in Lymphoid cells.

Latency associated RNA transcripts (LATs) confer latency, immune evasion and suppression of viral replication.

Episodic reactivation can occur releasing virions can spread to epithelium & many other cell types. (following other diseases/idiopathic)

Herpes Simplex (HSV-1 & -2)

Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV)

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

EBV/Infectious Mononucleosis/ Glandular Fever

• HHV-8

Microscopy: intranuclear viral inclusions & formation of multinucleated giant cells (Tzanck smear)