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Can HSV1 Herpes Infect The Esophagus And Intestines?

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Posted on Fri, 9 May 2014
Question: I received a positive HSV1 antibody blood test two and 1/2 years ago. Recently, my brother who has common variable autoimmune deficiency syndrome disease was diagnosed with herpes esophagitis. I feel terrible since I may have transmitted it to him although I have been careful not to touch him other than a handshake.When he was diagnosed with herpes esophagitis, I began having belching with pain running horizontally across my chest as well as very loose stools. I went to see my gastro md who felt that it might be a virus moving downward from my esophogist to my intestines. He told me to use pepto bismol to help with my loose stools. This has been going on for more than a month. I have to see my gastro md on Thursday. I also have acid reflux as well as an hiatal hernia and have had gastro problems on and off. I have some sort of benign tumor in the intestinal lining in the duodedum. This has been watched by endoscopic ultrasound. My gastro md does not know that I have had a positive HSV1 blood test. My primary told me at the time it was discovered that I should not say anything about it. So, my concern is what is the chance that my HSV1 herpes has infected my esophogist and intestines? Thank you for listening.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: risk low if immunity intact Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic It is understandable to be concerned. Herpes viral infection can spread to different parts of the gastrointestinal tract such as the esophagus ,stomach and intestines but this is more common in persons who have an impaired immune system such as your brother. Age may affect immunity and would be slightly diminished at 75 but normally would still be enough to fight the spread of this infection unless there are other factors also affecting the immune status. Other factors that can impair the immune system are: (1)diabetes (2) steroid medication (3) HIV (4) on going infection (5) cancer So therefore while it is possible for it to have spread, it only normally occurs if the immune system is impaired. If you have an intact immune system, the chance is very slim. Your doctors can determine if this is the cause of your symptoms via a biopsy if they suspect this. In terms of the herpes one, according to present data, 50 % to 70 % or more adults have this virus, and its prevalence (amt of persons with it) rises with age. It is very common, most persons do not even know that the virus is present, most do not have symptoms. This means that 5 to 7 out 10 persons have cold sores or are at risk of breaking out with cold sores. You may or may not have given your brother the infection, it is highly contagious, very common and he could have gotten it elsewhere and it is showing itself because of his immunity. If you are concerned re your potential herpes esophagitis though the risk is low, you can speak to your gastroenterologist, as a doctor he or she would be well aware of how common this infection is and would know if further investigations are necessary. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16835 Questions

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Can HSV1 Herpes Infect The Esophagus And Intestines?

Brief Answer: risk low if immunity intact Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic It is understandable to be concerned. Herpes viral infection can spread to different parts of the gastrointestinal tract such as the esophagus ,stomach and intestines but this is more common in persons who have an impaired immune system such as your brother. Age may affect immunity and would be slightly diminished at 75 but normally would still be enough to fight the spread of this infection unless there are other factors also affecting the immune status. Other factors that can impair the immune system are: (1)diabetes (2) steroid medication (3) HIV (4) on going infection (5) cancer So therefore while it is possible for it to have spread, it only normally occurs if the immune system is impaired. If you have an intact immune system, the chance is very slim. Your doctors can determine if this is the cause of your symptoms via a biopsy if they suspect this. In terms of the herpes one, according to present data, 50 % to 70 % or more adults have this virus, and its prevalence (amt of persons with it) rises with age. It is very common, most persons do not even know that the virus is present, most do not have symptoms. This means that 5 to 7 out 10 persons have cold sores or are at risk of breaking out with cold sores. You may or may not have given your brother the infection, it is highly contagious, very common and he could have gotten it elsewhere and it is showing itself because of his immunity. If you are concerned re your potential herpes esophagitis though the risk is low, you can speak to your gastroenterologist, as a doctor he or she would be well aware of how common this infection is and would know if further investigations are necessary. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions