Genital herpes

Genital herpes
A viral infection transmitted through intimate contact with the moist mucous linings of the genitals. This contact can involve the mouth, the vagina or the genital skin. The herpes simplex type 2 virus enters the mucous membranes through microscopic tears. Once inside, the virus travels to nerve the roots near the spinal cord and settles there permanently. When an infected person has a herpes outbreak, the virus travels down the nerve fibers to the site of the original infection and when it reaches the skin, the classic redness and blisters occur. The outbreak of herpes is closely related to the functioning of the immune system. Women who have suppressed immune systems, either through stress, disease, or medications, have more frequent and longer-lasting outbreaks. Commonly just called "herpes."

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genital herpes n herpes simplex of the type affecting the genitals called also herpes genitalis

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herpes genitalis, genital herpes simplex herpes simplex in the genital region, seen in both males and females; it is caused mainly by human herpesvirus 2, but also may be caused by human herpesvirus 1, and is transmitted primarily sexually via genital secretions, and contact with viroids. Although symptoms in the female are more severe than in the male, the vesicular lesions are self-limited. Genital herpes at term in the pregnant female may lead to infection of the neonate that can progress from localized to disseminated disease that often results in death of the baby. Called also progenital h. and h. progenitalis.

Medical dictionary. 2011.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • genital herpes simplex — n GENITAL HERPES …   Medical dictionary

  • genital herpes simplex — noun see genital herpes …   Useful english dictionary

  • genital herpes — noun an infection caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV 2) that is usually transmitted by sexual contact; marked by recurrent attacks of painful eruptions on the skin and mucous membranes of the genital area • Syn: ↑herpes genitalis •… …   Useful english dictionary

  • genital herpes — Pathol. a sexually transmitted disease caused by herpes simplex virus type 2, characterized primarily by transient blisters on and around the genitals. Also called herpes genitalis. * * * …   Universalium

  • genital herpes — noun Date: 1968 herpes simplex of the type typically affecting the genitalia …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • genital herpes — (her pĭz) A sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 …   Dictionary of microbiology

  • genital herpes — see herpes …   The new mediacal dictionary

  • genital herpes — gen′ital her′pes n. pat a sexually transmitted disease caused by a herpes simplex virus, typically affecting the genitals • Etymology: 1975–80 …   From formal English to slang

  • genital herpes — /dʒɛnətl ˈhɜpiz/ (say jenuhtl herpeez) noun a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 …  

  • Herpes simplex — Herpes redirects here. For the virus that causes herpes simplex, see Herpes simplex virus. For all types of herpes viruses, see Herpesviridae. Herpes simplex Classification and external resources Herpes labialis …   Wikipedia

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