Infectious Diseases Search
Infectious Diseases Infectious Diseases
genital%20herpes
GENITAL HERPES
Genital herpes is a recurrent lifelong disease with no cure, caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV).
HSV-2 is usually the cause but HSV-1 may occur in up to 1/3 of new cases.
HSV-1 tends to cause fewer recurrences & milder disease than HSV-2.
The incubation period is 2 days-2 weeks after exposure.

Introduction

  • Recurrent lifelong disease with no cure, caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV)
  • Typically occurs in adults, usually transmitted through sexual contact 
  • Incubation period is 2 days-2 weeks after exposure

Etiology

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
  • HSV-1: Tends to cause fewer recurrences and milder disease than HSV-2
  • HSV-2: Usually the cause of genital herpes but HSV-1 may occur in up to 1/3 of new cases

Risk Factors

Risk Factors for Genital Herpes Simplex Virus Infection
  • Multiple sexual partners
  • Previous history of sexually transmitted infection (STI) including HIV
  • History of genital lesion in self or partner
  • Partner diagnosed with genital HSV infection
  • Early age of 1st sexual activity (≤17 years old)
  • Female gender
  • Low socioeconomic status; low level of education
  • Advancing age
Digital Edition
Asia's trusted medical magazine for healthcare professionals. Get your MIMS Infectious Diseases - Malaysia digital copy today!
Sign In To Download
Editor's Recommendations
Most Read Articles
Higher rate of cancer, all-cause mortality among teens, young adults with perinatally acquired HIV
Roshini Claire Anthony, 29 Aug 2018

Teenagers and young adults living with perinatally acquired HIV (PaHIV) have a higher risk of developing malignancies and a higher all-cause mortality rate than their non-HIV-infected peers, according to a study from the UK.