ABSTRACT
Infections with herpes simplex virus and human papilloma virus cause the most common viral sexually transmitted infections. Despite sexual intercourse as the most common route of transmission for both viruses, HSV and HPV have distinct clinical manifestations, and different approaches are used for laboratory diagnosis. Therefore, these two infections will be discussed separately. Molluscum contagiosum, a viral skin infection without serious health sequelae that often affects the genital area is also briefly discussed.
