the changing epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 1 infection: the associated effects on the incidence of ocular herpes

herpes simplex virus type 1 (hsv-1) with a worldwide distribution has been reported in all human populations, resulting in a clinical spectrum of infections. although hsv type 2 (hsv-2) is known as the most common cause of genital herpes, an increasing number of cases with genital herpes are caused by hsv-1. the present study aimed to discuss the changes in the epidemiology of hsv-1 infection including the decline in the general incidence of hsv-1 infection in childhood and the increased rate of genital herpes, caused by hsv-1. moreover, changes in the epidemiology of ocular herpes, i.e., the reduced rate of primary ocular herpes in children and increased incidence of ocular hsv infection in adults, were discussed.