Virology mnemonic

Herpesvirus family members and their numbers

The mnemonic

HSV1, HSV2, VZV, EBV, CMV, HHV6, HHV7, KSHV

What each word stands for

  • HHV-1 and 2Herpes simplex 1 (oral) and 2 (genital)
  • HHV-3Varicella-zoster virus
  • HHV-4Epstein-Barr virus
  • HHV-5Cytomegalovirus
  • HHV-6 and 7Roseola infantum
  • HHV-8Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus

Why it matters clinically

Converts a numbered question into the disease: HHV-6 gives roseola, HHV-8 gives Kaposi sarcoma.

Where it stops being reliable

Lists numbering only; latency sites and drugs are not included.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Virology mnemonic?

HSV1, HSV2, VZV, EBV, CMV, HHV6, HHV7, KSHV. It helps you recall: Herpesvirus family members and their numbers.

What does "HHV-1 and 2" stand for?

Herpes simplex 1 (oral) and 2 (genital)

What does "HHV-3" stand for?

Varicella-zoster virus

What does "HHV-4" stand for?

Epstein-Barr virus

What are all the parts of the HSV1, HSV2, VZV, EBV, CMV, HHV6, HHV7, KSHV mnemonic?

HHV-1 and 2: Herpes simplex 1 (oral) and 2 (genital); HHV-3: Varicella-zoster virus; HHV-4: Epstein-Barr virus; HHV-5: Cytomegalovirus; HHV-6 and 7: Roseola infantum; HHV-8: Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Virology in Microbiology.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Lists numbering only; latency sites and drugs are not included.

How is this useful clinically?

Converts a numbered question into the disease: HHV-6 gives roseola, HHV-8 gives Kaposi sarcoma.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Microbiology question about Virology.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.