Atypical Presentation of Genital Herpes in an HIV Infected Man

ABSTRACT

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is one of the common opportunistic viral infections that may occur in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - infected patients. The natural history of HSV infection is often altered in this group of patients. Characteristically, genital herpes presents with multiple painful vesicles and erosions in immunocompetent patients. However, clinical presentations in immunocompromised patients are frequently severe and atypical which may lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. Genital herpes enhances transmission of HIV infection and hence early detection of this condition is important to reduce transmission of HIV and HSV.