Genital herpes

Abstract

Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases worldwide and is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of herpes simplex viruses: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV genomic DNA is organized into two unique regions of double-stranded DNA. Clinical features of genital herpes in special populations are described in the chapter and include some special manifestations, such as comorbidity with HSV and HIV, herpes in pregnant women, neonatal herpes and herpes simplex encephalitis amongst others. Laboratory diagnosis and vaccines hold the key to advances through future studies.