Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What is the primary cause of primary gingivostomatitis in patients with no prior exposure to the virus?

1. HSV 2

2. HSV 1

3. HIV

4. VZV

The correct answer is: HSV 1

The primary cause of primary gingivostomatitis in patients with no prior exposure to the virus is indeed HSV-1. This viral infection typically occurs in children and young adults and is characterized by inflammation of the oral mucosa and gums. HSV-1 is highly contagious and is commonly transmitted via oral contact, making it a frequent cause of initial outbreaks in individuals who have not previously been exposed to the virus. During primary infection, individuals may exhibit a range of symptoms, including pain, swelling, and ulceration of the gums, fever, and difficulty swallowing. In contrast, while HSV-2 primarily causes genital herpes, it is less commonly associated with oral infections and primary gingivostomatitis. Other viruses listed, such as HIV and VZV, have different primary manifestations and are not typically associated with the initial oral manifestations seen in primary gingivostomatitis. Their roles are more focused on systemic infections or specific syndromes that do not mainly present as moderate gingival inflammation and ulceration as seen with HSV-1.