The herpes viruses are important enveloped DNA viruses that cause disease in vertebrates and in some invertebrates such as oysters. Some of the human forms are herpes simplex virus (HSV) types I and II, causing facial and genital lesions, and the varicella zoster virus (VSV), causing chicken pox and shingles. Each of these three actively infects nervous tissue. Primary infections are fairly mild, but the virus is not then cleared from the host; rather, viral genomes are maintained in cells in a latent phase. The virus can later reactivate, replicate again, and infect others.
If scientists are trying to use what they know about the herpes simplex virus to devise a means of protecting other people from being infected, which of the following treatments would have the best chance of lowering the number of new cases of infection?
A) Vaccinate all persons with pre-existing cases of herpes simplex virus.
B) Interfere with new viral replication in pre-existing cases of herpes simplex virus.
C) Treat herpes simplex virus lesions to shorten the breakout.
D) Educate people about avoiding sources of infection.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Interfering with new viral replication in pre-existing cases of herpes simplex virus would be the most effective method of lowering the number of new cases of infection. This would reduce the number of viruses being shed and decrease the likelihood of transmission to others. Vaccinating those with pre-existing cases would not be effective because they already have the virus. Treating lesions would only provide temporary relief and would not prevent future outbreaks. Educating people about avoiding sources of infection would be helpful, but would not be as effective as directly interfering with viral replication.

The Herpes Viruses Are Important Enveloped DNA Viruses That Cause