Herpesviruses are generally divided into three subfamilies: Alphaherpesvirinae, Betaherpesvirinae, and Gammaherpesvirinae. Each of these subfamilies contains a few of the human herpesviruses. Alphaherpesvirinae has Herpes Simplex Viruses 1 and 2 as well as Varicella-Zoster Virus. Betaherpesvirinae includes Cytomegalovirus and Human Herpesviruses 6 and 7. Gammaherpesvirinae is made up of Epstein-Barr Virus and Human Herpesvirus 8.

In the viral profiles, we have examined 6 viruses in more detail. The profiles contain information about the diseases caused by these viruses and, where applicable, facts regarding oncogenesis.

For more information on the following Herpesviruses, please follow the links:

Herpes simplex virus 1
Herpes simplex virus 2
Varicella zoster virus
Cytomegalovirus
Epstein-Barr virus
Human herpesvirus 8

References:

Fields, Bernard. Virology. Philadelphia: Lippincott-Raven Publications, 1996.

International Agency for Research on Cancer. Oncogenesis and Herpesviruses. Lyon. 1972.

Mims, Cedric et al. Medical Microbiology. London: Mosby-Year Book Europe Ltd., 1998.

Persing and Prendergast. "Infection, Immunity, and Cancer." Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. November 1999. 123(11):1015-1022.

Siegel, Robert. Humans and Viruses Course Reader. Winter, 2000.