ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) is a member of the alphaherpesvirus (alphaherpesvirinae) subfamily, allowing it to affect a wide range of hosts. Herpes simplex virus-1 affects 3.7 billion people, or 67% of the population, under the age of 50. With a vast number of people infected by the virus, everyday objects are often contaminated with this agent. In this study we determined how long HSV-1 can remain viable on contaminated fomites. METHODS: Fomites were selected for their use near potentially contaminated orifices and variable frequency of sanitization. Toothbrushes and surrogate phallic devices (SPDs) were cut, sterilized, and contaminated. After contaminating the fomites, we collected samples over a 24 h period, then used plaque assays to determine viral titers at prescribed time points. RESULTS: The quantity of replication-competent virus present appears to decrease significantly 2 h post-contamination, then steadily declines over time, nearing zero at 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that different surfaces influence HSV-1 survival. Proper cleaning must be performed for these types of fomites, especially if shared in an environment where someone with active genital or oral herpes lesions uses one of these fomites shortly after someone else.
Subject(s)
Herpes Genitalis , Herpes Simplex , Herpesvirus 1, Human , Humans , Herpesvirus 2, Human , Virus Replication , Herpes Genitalis/epidemiologyABSTRACT
There are numerous published protocols for plaquing viruses, including references within primary literature for methodology. However, plaquing viruses can be difficult to perform, requiring focus on its specifications and refinement. It is an incredibly challenging method for new students to master, mainly because it requires meticulous attention to the most minute details. This demonstration of plaquing herpes simplex viruses should help those who have struggled with visualizing the method, especially its nuances, over the years. While this manuscript is based on the same principles of standard plaquing methodology, it differs in that it contains a detailed description of (1) how best to handle host cells to avoid disruption during the process, (2) a more useful viscous medium than agarose to limit the diffusion of virions, and (3) a simple fixation and staining procedure that produces reliably reproducible results. Furthermore, the accompanying video helps demonstrate the finer distinctions in the process, which are frequently missed when instructing others on conducting plaque assays.
Subject(s)
Herpes Simplex , Simplexvirus , Culture Media , Humans , VirionABSTRACT
Herpes simplex viruses-1 and -2 (HSV-1 and -2) are two of the three human alphaherpesviruses that cause infections worldwide. Since both viruses can be acquired in the absence of visible signs and symptoms, yet still result in lifelong infection, it is imperative that we provide interventions to keep them at bay, especially in immunocompromised patients. While numerous experimental vaccines are under consideration, current intervention consists solely of antiviral chemotherapeutic agents. This review explores all of the clinically approved drugs used to prevent the worst sequelae of recurrent outbreaks by these viruses.