Prevention and control of herpesvirus diseases. Part 1. Clinical and laboratory diagnosis and chemotherapy. A WHO meeting.

The herpesvirus diseases are increasing in importance as a public health problem throughout the world. Members of the human herpesvirus family are global in distribution and infect 60-95% of the world's population, both in developed and in developing countries. Illnesses associated with herpesviral infections vary from simple blisters to deadly encephalitis. In numerical terms, primary cytomegalovirus infection is a more common cause of congenitally acquired disease than primary rubella and results in severe handicap. The apparent increasing incidence of genital herpes, which may induce perinatal infections associated with a high rise in perinatal morbidity and mortality, is a cause of concern. Neonatally acquired infection has a high mortality and many of the survivors have permanent sequelae. Herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus and varicella-zoster virus reactivations frequently lead to death in patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. Close association between herpes simplex infection and cervical neoplasia has been reported.Unlike other viruses, the herpesviruses usually remain latent throughout life. Viral reactivations, induced by various factors (hormonal, environmental, physical or chemical agents), may result in a large variety of illnesses, with high prevalences in both developing and developed countries.Advances are currently being made in diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic approaches to the human herpesviruses. There are new methods for rapid disease diagnosis and for epidemiological investigations, including the rapid analysis of viruses and antibodies. New antiherpetic drugs have been licensed in some countries, and vaccines are undergoing trials.This report summarizes the information currently available and makes recommendations to enhance progress in the control of diseases caused by the herpes-viruses.