Herpesvirus

Herpesvirus (HSV) infection of the genital tract is a sexually transmitted disease that is increasing in incidence at an epidemic rate. Initial exposure to the virus usually produces acute symptomatology and severe discomfort, but the disease may be asymptomatic. After infection, the virus becomes latent, and the patient is at risk for recurrent herpes, the potential of transmitting the virus to the newborn, reactivation in patients who become immunosuppressed, and genital malignancies later in life.