The pathogen of genital herpes is herpes simplex virus (HSV), a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the human herpesvirus subfamily. The diameter of HSV virus particles is about 150nm. Herpes simplex virus is divided into two types, namely HSV-1 and HSV-2. The genome homology sequences of HSV-1 and HSV-2 are about 50%.
Humans are the only host of HSV. HSV cannot survive outside the human body. It is sensitive to heat and dryness. It can be inactivated in 30 minutes in a 50°C hot and humid environment or in a 90°C dry environment. General disinfectants, ultraviolet rays, ether, ethanol, chloroform, etc. can inactivate it. In 1925, the in vitro culture of herpes simplex virus was successfully achieved.
It causes infection of the lips, pharynx, eyes and skin, and about 10% can also cause genital infection; HSV-2 is the main pathogen of genital herpes (90%), mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse, and exists in the exudate of skin and mucosal lesions, semen, and prostate secretions, causing primary genital herpes. HSV has the characteristic of infecting nerves and forming a latent infection state. Therefore, after the primary genital herpes subsides, the remaining virus can retrograde along the nerve axons through the peripheral nerves and remain in the sacral ganglia for a long time, entering a latent infection state.
When the body's resistance is reduced or certain stimulating factors such as cold, fever, infection, trauma, menstruation, fatigue, etc. occur, the latent viruses in the body may be activated and relapse.
