infections
Genital Herpes
Introduction
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus that causes recurring episodes of small, painful, fluid-filled blisters on and around the genitals. This very contagious Overview of Viral Infections is spread by direct contact with sores or sometimes contact with an affected area when no sores are present. Genital herpes causes blisters or sores on or around the genitals and, often with the first infection, a fever and general feeling of illness. The virus sometimes infects other parts of the body, including the mouth, esophagus, eyes, and brain. Usually, doctors easily recognize the sores caused by herpes, but sometimes analysis of material from a sore or blood tests are necessary. No medication can get rid of the infection, but Antiviral drugs can help relieve symptoms and help symptoms resolve a little sooner. Herpes simplex is one of several types of Overview of Herpesvirus Infections . There are two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV): HSV-1, which is the usual cause of cold sores on the lips (herpes labialis) and sores on the cornea of the eye ( Herpes Simplex Keratitis ) HSV-2, which is the usual cause of genital herpes (although HSV-1 can also cause genital herpes) After the first (primary) infection, HSV, like other herpesviruses, remains inactive (dormant or latent) in the body for life. A latent infection may not cause symptoms again, or it may periodically reactivate and cause symptoms. The primary HSV infection produces an eruption of tiny blisters. After the eruption of blisters subsides, the virus remains in a dormant state inside the collection of nerve cells (ganglia) near the spinal cord that supply the nerve fibers to the infected area. Periodically, the virus reactivates, begins multiplying again, and travels through the nerve fibers back to the skin—causing eruptions of blisters in the same area of skin as the earlier infection. Sometimes the virus is present on the skin or mucous membranes even when no blisters can be seen. The virus may reactivate many times. 