ABSTRACT
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection may cause a wide spectrum of illness in children and adults. Gingivostomatitis is the most common specific clinical manifestation of primary HSV infection in childhood. Herpetic gingivostomatitis has been described in adults, with similar clinical manifestations. Primary HSV-1 infection is usually asymptomatic or associated with nonspecific upper respiratory tract symptoms. Socioeconomic status has a profound influence on the epidemiology of HSV-1 infection. HSV-1 is spread through direct contact with lesions or oral secretions of infected individuals, therefore close interpersonal contact is usually required for effective transmission. The main complication observed in patients with herpetic gingivostomatitis is dehydration. Another complication of HSV-1 gingivostomatitis is secondary bacteremia caused by Kingella kingae and Streptococcus pyogenes. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of HSV deoxyribonucleic acid has been developed as a sensitive and specific diagnostic technique. Acyclovir is the most commonly used drug for the treatment of various HSV infections including gingivostomatitis.
