Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 in Herpes Genitalis: A Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Study from Kerala

BACKGROUND: Herpes genitalis is an ulcerating sexually transmitted infection, the clinical importance of which lies in its ability to produce painful and recurrent disease in addition to its potential role as a cofactor in acquisition and transmission of human immunodeficiency virus. In recent years, there are increasing reports of genital herpes due to herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 from various parts of the world. Molecular diagnostic methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) have got both diagnostic and prognostic significance in genital herpes. AIMS: The present study was designed to identify the viral serotype in herpes genitalis patients in our locality, using PCR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The specimens from forty herpes genitalis patients were subjected to nested PCR and results were evaluated. RESULTS: PCR was positive for HSV in 83% of cases, of which 58% were due to HSV-1. HSV-2 accounted for maximum number of recurrent herpes. LIMITATION: Higher sample size would have been more representative. CONCLUSION: A rising trend of type 1 HSV was observed in herpes genitalis in south India probably due to increasing practice of orogenital sex.