Orofacial viral infections in the immunocompromised host.

Orofacial viral infections are common in immunocompromised patients. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are the most common. Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV) infections are less common, but usually more severe. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may produce ulcers, lymphoproliferative syndromes or oral hairy leukoplakia (HL). Human herpes virus 6 (HHV 6) may be the etiology of recurrent aphthous stomatitis, while human herpes virus 7 (HHV 7) has an unclear role. Human herpes virus 8 (HHV 8) is the etiologic agent of Kaposi sarcoma. Human papilloma viruses (HPVs) cause warts, papillomas and epithelial hyperplasia. Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a poxvirus. All herpes viruses (HSV, VZV, CMV, EBV, HHV 6, HHV 7, HHV 8) and many HPVs are associated with neoplasias. Research is ongoing to clarify the role of other viruses in the development of infections and lesions in the orofacial area.