Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is an important human pathogen widely known as the cause of herpes labialis (common cold sores). It is less well known that this virus is also the most common infectious cause of eye damage and blindness (HSV keratitis), and that HSV-1 can cause a wide range of diseases including an extremely severe form of encephalitis that can result in death. In addition, a related virus, HSV-2, is known to cause genital herpes. Infection with HSV-2 can increase the possibility of HIV infection and can cause depression. Diseases caused by herpesvirus infections can be treated, but cannot be cured. HSV is an important public health problem and an extremely complex virus and therefore it is important to conduct research to better understand the biology of this viruses.

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