Genital herpes

Abstract

Genital herpes, one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, is a global medical problem with significant physical and psychological morbidity. The disease is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2) and can be manifest as primary and/or recurrent infection. This chapter provides an overview about the fundamental knowledge on the etiological agent, its epidemiology, and infection. The current possibilities of laboratory diagnosis and antiviral treatment of genital herpes as well as the current options for preventing the disease by hygiene or other prophylactic measures are presented. The chapter also provides information on research concerning alternative antivirals and effective prophylactic or therapeutic vaccines to improve the management of genital herpes disease in the future. A summary of drugs and their dosages for the antiviral therapy of genital herpes is presented.