In individuals with reduced immune function, primary HSV may not resolve spontaneously but persist with the development of progressive, eruptive

and coalescing mucocutaneous anogenital lesions [48–50]. In addition, healing of uncomplicated lesions may be delayed beyond 2–3 weeks, and is often associated with systemic symptoms such as fever and myalgia [51]. In rare cases, severe systemic complications, such as hepatitis, pneumonia, aseptic meningitis and autonomic neuropathy with urinary retention Selleck Sotrastaurin may develop and may be life-threatening. In recurrent genital herpes, groups of vesicles or ulcers develop in a single anatomical dermatomal site and usually heal within 5–10 days. In HIV-seronegative persons, recurrences average five clinical episodes per year for the first two years and reduce in BKM120 price frequency thereafter. The frequency and severity of recurrent disease is significantly greater in HIV-infected persons with low CD4 cell counts [39,40]. HAART reduces the number of days with HSV lesions although it does not appear to normalize the frequency of reactivation to rates seen in HIV-seronegative individuals

[52,53]. Atypical presentations of genital herpes have been reported in HIV-seropositive persons, including chronic erosive and chronic hypertrophic lesions in association with more severe immune deficiency, aciclovir resistance and starting HAART [53,54]. Nonmucosal or systemic HSV infection is more common and may be more severe Interleukin-2 receptor in immunocompromised patients, though the clinical presentation may be similar to immunocompetent individuals [55]. HSV eye disease includes keratoconjunctivitis and acute retinal necrosis. Systemic HSV infection may result in pneumonia, hepatitis, oesophagitis and CNS disease. HSV infection of the CNS can cause aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, myelitis and radiculopathy. Preceding mucocutaneous

disease is frequently absent. Aseptic meningitis is usually a consequence of primary HSV-2 infection and may be recurrent. HSV encephalitis has been reported in HIV-seropositive adults, but is uncommon. Clinical presentation includes fever, headache, decreased or fluctuating level of consciousness and seizures. Brainstem involvement may occur. 6.3.4.1 Detection of HSV in clinical lesions (see Table 6.1). Swabs should be taken from the base of the lesion or fluid from the vesicle. For culture tests it is essential that the cold chain (4 °C) is maintained and appropriate media are used. PCR testing is most useful as less scrupulous handling of specimens is required [56]. PCR testing is rapid and sensitive resulting in increased identification of HSV-2 in lesions [57]. In one study the sensitivity of culture for HSV-2 was 73% as compared to 98% with PCR and both tests had 100% specificity [20]. Histopathology and PCR for HSV DNA may be helpful in the diagnosis of systemic disease.