Atypical presentation of genital herpes in a retroviral disease patient on highly active anti-retroviral therapy

Abstract

Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the leading cause of Genital Ulcer Disease (GUD) worldwide. In HIV infected persons, it typically presents with increased number of recurrent genital lesions which often have severe and prolonged presentations. There are reports that patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) may be more prone to chronic genital ulcers and a higher risk of acyclovir-resistant herpes infection than is seen in immune competent patients. We present a case of recurrent genital herpes infection in a sexually active 15 year old known HIV patient.

Keywords: Recurrent genital ulcer, HSV-2, HIV, HAART