Genital herpes Flashcards
(12 cards)
What are the two main strains of HSV?
HSV-1 and HSV-2
What happens after initial infection with HSV?
Virus becomes latent in the associated sensory nerve ganglia.
- Trigeminal nerve ganglion = cold sores
- Sacral nerve ganglia = genital herpes.
What else can HSV cause?
Apthous ulcers - small, painful, oral sores in mouth; Herpes keratitis - inflammation of cornea in eye; Herpetic whitlow - painful skin lesion on finger or thumb.
How is HSV spread?
Direct contact with mucous membranes or viral shedding in mucous secretions.
What usually causes genital herpes?
HSV-2 and is mostly an STI.
What is the presentation of genital herpes?
- Painful ulcers or blistering lesions in the genital area
- neuropathic type pain
- flu-like symptoms
- dysuria
- inguinal lymphadenopathy.
How is genital herpes diagnosed?
Clinically based on history & exam, NAAT, and viral PCR swab from lesion can confirm diagnosis & causative organism.
What is the management for genital herpes?
Patients should be referred to GUM. Aciclovir is used to treat genital herpes.
What is the issue with pregnancy & genital herpes?
Not known to cause pregnancy-related complications but it can spread to neonate during delivery, risking neonatal herpes simplex infection.
What happens to a pregnant woman who has genital herpes?
Woman will develop antibodies which will cross the placenta into the fetus and give the fetus passive immunity.
How is primary genital herpes contracted before 28 weeks treated?
Aciclovir during initial infection and regular prophylactic aciclovir started from 36 weeks to reduce risk of genital lesions during labour & delivery.
How is primary genital herpes contracted after 28 weeks treated?
Aciclovir during initial infection followed immediately by regular prophylactic aciclovir. C section recommended in all cases.
