[Herpes simplex infection as a sexually transmitted disease].

Genital herpes simplex virus (HSV-)infection is a disease of growing importance in sexually transmitted diseases. It is the most common cause of genital ulcerations throughout the industrialized nations. It is caused by either herpes simplex virus type 1 or 2. Genital herpes displays variable clinical manifestations in a primary or recurrent form. Various seroepidemiologic studies suggest that asymptomatic infection is common. Primary infection causes severe genital lesions and has a relatively high incidence of neurologic and extragenital manifestations. Recurrent episodes are, in contrast, of much milder expression. To exclude the diagnosis of other possible causes of genital ulcers, laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis of genital HSV-infections has to be established, before antiviral therapy is introduced. HSV can be cultivated in cell culture. Rapid diagnostic techniques such as immunofluorescence, cytologic examination and electronmicroscopy are also available. The most promising antiviral drug seems to be acyclovir. It is effective in reducing some of the manifestations of genital HSV infections. However, the most important problems like the prevention of recurrent infections in patients with genital herpes and the transmission of the disease to newborns or to sexual partners, have not yet been solved.