Which virus commonly causes herpetic gingivostomatitis?

• A. Herpes simplex virus type 1
• B. Varicella-zoster virus
• C. Coxsackievirus
• D. Epstein-Barr virus

Answer: (A)

Herpetic gingivostomatitis is most commonly caused by herpes simplex virus type 1, the oral herpes virus that often causes primary infection in children. This virus produces fever, irritability, swollen and tender gums, and clusters of small vesicles on the oral mucosa that rapidly rupture to form painful ulcers, especially on the gingiva and other anterior oral sites. The condition is highly contagious during the vesicular stage and spreads through direct contact, such as kissing or sharing utensils. Other viruses can cause mouth ulcers or systemic illness—varicella-zoster virus leads to chickenpox or shingles, Coxsackievirus causes herpangina and hand-foot-mouth disease with different lesion patterns, and Epstein-Barr virus causes infectious mononucleosis—so they don’t produce the classic gingivostomatitis picture seen with HSV-1. Therefore, HSV-1 best explains this presentation. In care, focus on keeping the child hydrated, relieving pain, and preventing spread through good hygiene and contact precautions.