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Genital herpes is caused by both herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and 2. Primary infections are often asymptomatic but may present with a prodrome of fever, headache, myalgias, and dysuria followed by development of an eruption within a few days. The typical eruption consists of clusters of small vesicles that ulcerate into shallow painful ulcers with an erythematous base. The eruption can last for several weeks. Most primary infections are self-limited, but complications may include acute urinary retention, aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, hepatitis, and pneumonitis. Nonprimary infections occur when patients with preexisting antibodies to one HSV type are infected by the other type. Recurrent episodes are common. Both nonprimary first and recurrent episodes tend to have a milder course than primary infections. Immunocompromised patients are at risk for disseminated herpes and other complications. Perinatal transmission of genital herpes is associated with high rates of infant morbidity and mortality.
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Management and Disposition
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Diagnosis of primary or nonprimary first infection is confirmed by viral culture from lesions or serum polymerase chain reaction testing. Recurrent episodes are diagnosed clinically.
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Antiviral agents can decrease length and duration of symptoms and may be used for suppressive therapy, but no curative treatment is available. Treat primary genital herpes with oral acyclovir 400 mg three times daily or 200 mg five times daily for 7 to 10 days. Alternatives include famciclovir 250 mg three times daily or valacyclovir 1000 mg twice daily for 7 to 10 days.
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For recurrent genital herpes, treatment is most effective if started within 24 hours of symptom onset. Multiple antiviral treatment regimens are appropriate, with the most commonly used being 3- to 5-day courses of oral acyclovir 400 ...