Primary Herpes Infection — MFDS Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: D — Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)
Primary herpetic gingivostomatitis is classically caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). It commonly presents in children with fever, malaise, cervical lymphadenopathy, diffuse painful gingivitis and multiple oral vesicles that rapidly ulcerate. HSV-2 can infect oral tissues, but it is not the usual cause of this classic presentation. Varicella-zoster virus causes chickenpox or shingles; Epstein–Barr virus is associated with infectious mononucleosis and oral hairy leukoplakia; and cytomegalovirus may produce persistent oral ulceration, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Therefore, HSV-1 is the single best answer.
Reference: Coppola N, Cantile T, Adamo D, et al. Supportive care and antiviral treatments in primary herpetic gingivostomatitis: a systematic review. Clinical Oral Investigations. 2023;27:6333–6344. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37733027/