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Pathology · single question

Why do NOT all individuals exposed to herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) develop herpetic gingivostomatitis?

  1. The virus cannot penetrate intact oral mucosa
  2. Saliva neutralizes the virus before infection
  3. HSV is only contagious during active lesions
  4. Primary infection is often subclinical in many individuals
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: D. Primary infection is often subclinical in many individuals

Primary HSV-1 infection is often subclinical — the immune system controls the infection without producing obvious symptoms, while the virus establishes latency.
  • A. HSV can infect through minor mucosal abrasions — mucosal penetration is not the limiting factor.
  • B. Saliva does not reliably neutralize HSV — saliva is actually a common vehicle for HSV-1 transmission.
  • C. HSV can be transmitted from asymptomatic individuals via viral shedding — it IS contagious even without active lesions.
  • D. CORRECT. Primary HSV-1 infection is subclinical in many people — they seroconvert without experiencing symptomatic herpetic gingivostomatitis. The virus establishes latency in the trigeminal ganglion and may later reactivate as herpes labialis.

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