The term "herpes virus" generally refers to any member related to the herpes simplex type 1 and also includes the herpes simplex type 2 virus in the same family. The nucleocapsid of any herpes virus is usually surrounded by an envelope which has spike-like structures that project from the surface containing DNA.
So far, research scientists have identified at least 115 different types of herpes viruses and have found close to fifty different animal species prone to the infection of the herpes virus. Humans appear to be the most vulnerable and they are a natural reservoir for over eight different types of these herpes viruses. They spread them normally from human to human and not to other animals.
Herpes transmission is usually a common experience when one comes into contact with an individual infected with the same virus. Coming into contact with this type of virus is mostly through sexual intercourse with the infected person. This is the first and most crucial step in a complex series of unfolding events that usually results in contracting any form of genital herpes.
Projecting from the general outer surface of the herpes virus are some protein-carbohydrate relative structures called glycoprotein. These are the main elements which allow the virus to attach initially to the proteoglycans, known to be the most complex chemical structures usually present on the surface of any living cells.
In herpes transmission, after the virus attaches to the host cell, glycoproteins interact with the human cells surface structures and trigger some changes in the respective cell membranes known as the cytoskeletal structure. These changes are what lead to the viral envelope infusing with the respective cell plasma membrane, fundamentally merging to form another changed cell.
When such a fusion occurs, the nucleocapsid of the occurring herpes virus usually enters into the cytoplasm of the respective host cell and attaches tiny skeleton-like structures referred to as microfilaments and microtubules. These form a kind of an internal transportation network eventually used to move materials within that particular cell.
Using this formed structure the DNA of the herpes virus enters straight into the nucleus of the host cell and makes copies of the viral DNA released from the cell and it spreads to and ends up infecting other surrounding cells. This entire process of generating new virus particles is what kills the host cell through infections.
If the herpes virus remains on the skins cells during herpes transmission, the point where initial viral attachment usually occurs, chances are that there could be a control of the infection through a healthy immune system. The herpes virus however is very complex and it gets ways to hide from the human immune system through hibernation in the respective nerve cells.
For un-established reasons the virus does not start the process of replication in a given number of nerve cells, but it starts with hibernation and also establishes a latent kind of infection. This is a very safe way of spreading because when the virus is on hibernation rarely can it be detected and the immune system is not well prepared. Therefore, herpes transmission is very drastic and happens at any time.
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