বৃহস্পতিবার, ২ ফেব্রুয়ারী, ২০১২


Herpes Simplex:
1. Small superficial ulcers on the glans penis. 2. A group of small vesicles on the shaft of penis.

Herpes Simplex is an acute, self-limited, intraepidermal vesicular eruption caused by infection with HSV.
HSV is a medium-sized DNA virus that replicates within the nucleus.
Based on culture and immunologic characteristics, it is divided into two types – HSV-1 and HSV-2.
Usually, HSV-1 causes oral infection and HSV-2 causes genital infection.
Primary infection with this viruses are characteristically  followed by recurrent attacks.  

Therapy of Herpes Simplex
First Episode– Primary
Acyclovir: 400 mg TID x 7 days or 5 mg/kg  IV 8 hourly x 5-7 days or
 
Famcyclovir:250 mg TID x 7days or
  Valacyclovir:1000 mg BID x 7 days.
Recurrent
Acyclovir: 400 mg TID x 5 days or
Famcyclovir:125 mg TID x days or
  Valacyclovir: 500 mg BID x days.
Chronic Suppressive
         Acyclovir: 400 mg BID or
         
        Famcyclovir: 250 mg BID
   Valacyclovir: 500 - 1000 mg OD 
 
D/D of Herpes Simplex Genitalis
Herpes Zoster
Herpes Simplex may be dermatomal in distribution and may be clinically identical to Herpes Zoster.
A history of recurrences suggests HSV.
Primary Syphilis
Classically, the lesion is painless.
The border is indurated.
Chancroid
Multiple painful ulcers.
Recurrent Herpes Simplex
A prodrome of itching, burning, tingling, numbness or pain 1 to 2 days before a clinical outbreak.
Lesions are localized and recur at the same anatomic site in each time.
The duration is generally from 3 to 5 days.    
Regional adenopathy may be present.
Vulvar involvement may cause dysuria.
Chronic ulcerative lesions are indicative of immunosuppression. 
Acyclovir-Resistant Herpes Simplex
 

Seen in patient with AIDS.
Co-resistance with Famcyclovir and Valacycloir has been reported.
Foscarnet can be given(40 mg/kg IV 2 to 3 times daily for 14 to 21 days).
Recurrent HSV after foscarnet treatment is often acyclovir sensitive.