Genital Herpes (Part One)

Genital herpes is primarily caused by the Herpes Simplex virus type 2 (HSV2) but in some cases can be caused by type HSV 1 (via orogenital contact).

Regardless of the type, the characteristics of both types remain indistinguishable from each other. The transmission of this virus is only through humans, there is no intermediary or vector in transmission. Genital herpes affects both genders, but females have more complications. Almost 30% of adults are affected by this virus and 60-70% of them remain asymptomatic carriers.

Causes

As mentioned above, the HSV type 2 virus is the cause of genital herpes, in most cases while type 1 occurs only in cases of orogenital contact. The transmission of this infection occurs in these ways:

• Sexually transmissible
• Homosexuality
• Cross-infection of types 1 and 2 during orogenital contact.
• Neonatal infection as a result of contact with the infected mother's vaginal secretions during vaginal birth.
• Can be transmitted through the hands in healthcare workers, during finger-genital contact if gloves are not used.
• Infection of children with HSV type 2 is indicative of sexual abuse.

Symptoms

The incubation period is 3-7 days before the appearance of constitutional symptoms:

• Fever that can reach up to 39 – and drop after 3-5 days
• Body aches
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Apathy
• Immediate outbreak of complaints

Symptoms of the disease:

• Burning or tingling sensation before the herpetic lesions appear
• Vesicles around the vagina, vulva, or cervix which may later evolve into ulcerations.
• Ulcers or genital sores on the penis, more pronounced on the glans penis and the penile skin and body. These sores are painful and burn for a period of 2-3 weeks if left untreated.
• Vesicles on the foreskin and scrotum.
• Pain and difficulty urinating in both sexes.
• Discharge from the vagina (F) and urethra (F&M).
• Involvement of the perianal and rectal areas in individuals who have anal intercourse.

Once the acute infection subsides almost after 2 weeks, the virus remains latent or inactive and can become active at later stages. The reactivation of the virus leads to the recurrence of symptoms. This recurrence can be caused by:

• Exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet radiation)
• Fever
• Acute infections e.g., common cold, respiratory tract infections, etc.
• Emotional stress
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menstrual cycle.
• Minor trauma
• Systemic diseases that lower the immune system e.g., AIDS or cancer etc.
• Use of medications such as corticosteroids that lower the immune system.