Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

herpes simplex virus type 2
A herpes virus
that causes genital herpes, which is characterized by
sores in the genital area. Abbreviated HSV-2. HSV-2
may also be a cause of fever blisters around the
mouth. In rare cases, as when a patient’s immune
system is severely compromised, this virus can
cause widespread infection of the body. Treatment
involves use of topical or oral antiviral medication.
Also known as human herpesvirus 2 (HHV-2). See
also 
genital herpes.
herpes zoster
The herpes virus that causes
chickenpox (varicella). Herpes zoster and chicken-
pox are usually contracted in childhood, at which
time the virus infects nerves (namely, the dorsal
root ganglia). It remains latent for years but can
later be reactivated to cause shingles (blisters over
the distribution of the affected nerve). Shingles is
often accompanied by intense pain and itching. Also
known as shingles, zona, zoster, and human her-
pesvirus 3 (HHV-3). See also 
chickenpox; chicken-
pox immunization; shingles.
herpesvirus
One of a family of viruses that con-
tain DNA and that cause infections in humans
(human herpesviruses) or animals. Herpesviruses
are common and often live in the host’s tissue for
years or even decades without causing symptoms.
herpetiform virus
A virus with the characteris-
tic shape and behavior of a virus in the herpes fam-
ily. Not all members of the herpes virus family have
been identified. Some herpetiform viruses may
eventually be called herpesviruses, and others are
merely similar to herpesviruses. See also
herpesvirus.
hetero-
Prefix meaning different, as in hetero-
morphism (something that is different in form) and
heterozygous (possessing two different forms of a