Herpes Simplex Virus

Primary genital herpes affecting the cervix

Primary genital herpes is defined as the first clinically evident episode of HSV infection in an HSV-antibody negative individual. It often presents as vesiculo-ulcerative disease at or near the sites(s) of inoculation. Systemic symptoms, such as fever and myalgia, may develop in 40 - 70% of those with primary symptomatic infections. Urinary symptoms, such as hesitation and dysuria, are common. The ulcerative lesions shown in this slide are a classical presentation of primary genital herpes.

photo reproduced with the permission of Dr. Marc Steben