Genital herpes is a worldwide sexually transmitted infection, and it is common in developed countries as well as developing regions of the globe. Transmission of this disease via nonsexual modes is infrequent. The causative agent is herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in most instances, but in recent years, there has been an increase in the proportion of patients who acquired the infection from herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).
Cases of genital herpes due to HSV-1 are largely in young women and in men who have sex with men. Infection with HSV-1 has usually been the source of oral and lip lesions or fever blisters rather than genital herpes. But oral or vaginal sex can transmit HSV-1 and cause genital herpes as well. Like most other sexually transmitted diseases, genital herpes transmits more commonly from men to women than from women to men.
These patients may suffer from outbreaks of painful blisters and sores which carry the virus and transmit the disease if the sexual partner comes into contact with them. It is a somewhat psychologically devastating illness especially for those who are aware of their diagnosis. However, over the years of this chronic medical condition, the outbreaks of skin lesions tend to decline in frequency (Centers for Disease Control, 2010).
Immune System Compromise
The disease can lead to many complications in patients who have immune system compromise. This includes patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection or cancer. Patients who take immunosuppressive therapy, cancer chemotherapy, or corticosteroids for more than two weeks will be prone to acquisition of the disease and its complications. Of particular concern are pregnant women who acquire genital herpes before or after they become pregnant.
Genital herpes infection during pregnancy can transmit to the baby, and if there are active blisters or sores in the mother’s genital tract at the time of delivery, cesarean section will be necessary to avoid transmission. Moreover, there are restrictions for the use of antiviral medication in a pregnant woman with this illness because of harmful effects some of these agents may have on the fetus.
If the mother acquires the disease during pregnancy, genital herpes infection is more serious for the mother and baby than it is for a woman who already had the disease prior to conception.
Neonatal Herpes
If genital herpes infects the baby, it is a very serious condition for the newborn as the infant has not yet fully developed his or her immune system. Consequently, neonatal herpes in these babies requires the best clinical management to prevent complications or death. In fact, of the babies with neonatal herpes who progress to disseminated disease and do not receive medical treatment, 80 percent of them do not survive.
And for the babies with disseminated neonatal herpes who do not receive therapy and manage to survive, the outcome is generally brain damage.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control. (2010). Genital herpes. Retrieved August 29, 2011.
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. (2011). Genital herpes. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact their physician for advice.
Michael Koger - Dr. Koger obtained his medical education at Meharry Medical College and specialized in Internal Medicine.
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