Herpesviridae
Herpesviridae is a family of viruses known for causing infections in humans and animals. This family includes several well-known viruses, such as Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), which can lead to cold sores and genital herpes, and Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), responsible for chickenpox and shingles. These viruses are characterized by their ability to establish lifelong infections in the host.
The viruses in the Herpesviridae family are enveloped and contain double-stranded DNA. They can remain dormant in the body after the initial infection, reactivating later under certain conditions, such as stress or a weakened immune system. This reactivation can lead to recurrent symptoms, making management of herpes infections important for affected individuals.