ABSTRACT

Genital herpes is a chronic viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 or type 2. HSV-1 is the most common cause of genital herpes, although HSV-2 tends to recur more frequently than HSV-1. Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection with lesional contact being the primary route of transmission. Possible complications which may require hospitalisation include urinary retention, meningitis and severe malaise. Analgesics may also be taken for symptomatic pain relief. Counselling should be given to patients and sexual partners to reduce the chance of HSV contact. HSV infection in the first and second trimester should be treated with oral or intravenous aciclovir at standard doses. If symptoms are present during the last six weeks of the pregnancy, caesarean section should be considered due to risk of passing the virus to the baby during labour. Babies born to mothers with genital HSV lesions should be tested for HSV and intravenous aciclovir therapy initiated as required.