CROSS-TRANSMISSION BETWEEN HSV-1 AND HSV-2 AND ITS CLINICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONSCROSS

Abstract

Infections with herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) represent a significant challenge for global public health, due to their high prevalence, viral persistence, clinical recurrence and possibility of asymptomatic transmission. Although HSV-1 is generally linked to orofacial infections and HSV-2 to genital infections, recent research shows important changes in this epidemiological pattern, highlighting the growth of cross-transmission between serotypes. The objective of this study was to examine cross-transmission between HSV-1 and HSV-2, in addition to its clinical and public health consequences. This is an integrative review of the literature based on the analysis of national and international scientific research published between 1995 and 2025. The results showed that cross-transmission is directly linked to changes in sexual behaviors, particularly in relation to oral-genital contact, which contributes to the increase in genital HSV-1 infections. Furthermore, there was a greater complexity in the diagnosis, continuity of asymptomatic transmission, possibility of serious complications and significant psychosocial effects. The conclusion is that cross-transmission between HSV-1 and HSV-2 constitutes a growing clinical and epidemiological challenge, which requires reinforcement of prevention measures, health education, early diagnosis and scientific research on the subject.