A panel of 7 genital ulcer pathogens from urine (Herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1), Herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2), Haemophilus ducreyi, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Chlamydia trachomatis LGV, Treponema pallidum, Varicella-zoster virus (VZV)) by PCR method

Herpes simplex 1/2 infections are transmitted through contact with HSV herpes sores, mucosal surfaces, genital secretions, or oral secretions. HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be shed from normal-appearing oral or genital mucosa or skin. Typically, a person can only get HSV-2 infection during sexual contact with someone who has a genital HSV-2 infection. However, oral-genital contact with a person infected with oral HSV-1 can cause genital HSV-1 infection. Transmission often occurs with a partner who does not have visible sores and may be unaware of the infection. Most people infected with HSV are asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms that go unnoticed or are mistaken for other skin conditions. When symptoms occur, they typically appear as blisters on or around the genitals, rectum, or mouth. The average incubation period for an initial herpes infection is about 2 to 12 days after exposure. Blisters break and leave painful ulcers that may take two to four weeks to heal. The appearance of these symptoms is called the first herpes 'outbreak' or episode. Clinical manifestations of genital herpes vary between the first and recurrent (i.e., subsequent) outbreaks. The first outbreak is often associated with a longer healing period, increased viral shedding (increasing the likelihood of HSV transmission), and systemic symptoms, including fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, or headache.

Treponema pallidum is the bacterium that causes syphilis, a chronic systemic infection that can progress through four stages. Primary symptoms occur 10-90 days after infection, usually around 3 weeks (21 days). The primary symptom is a painless sore at the site of infection. The sore can be difficult to notice and often disappears within 3–6 weeks even without treatment but may periodically recur. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent infection progression.

Chlamydia trachomatis LGV is one of the diseases caused by the chlamydia bacterium, known as lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV). LGV is a sexually transmitted infection caused by specific Chlamydia trachomatis serovars (L1, L2, L3). The main mode of transmission is through sexual contact: vaginal, anal, and oral. The primary symptom is small, painless blisters or sores in the genital or rectal area, often unnoticed. Symptoms appear 3-30 days after exposure. If untreated, chronic inflammation, lymph node, rectal damage, and reproductive system issues may develop.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a member of the herpesvirus family that causes chronic infections. Although CMV is not typically considered a sexually transmitted infection, it can be transmitted through sexual contact. Most healthy individuals infected with CMV experience no symptoms, but some may experience symptoms similar to mononucleosis (fever, fatigue, muscle aches, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes). The CMV incubation period generally lasts from 3 to 12 weeks post-infection. Most healthy individuals experience asymptomatic or mild infections, after which the virus remains dormant in the body and can be reactivated in the future, especially when the immune system is weakened. If a pregnant woman becomes infected with CMV for the first time during pregnancy, the virus can be transmitted to the fetus, potentially causing congenital CMV infection with serious consequences.

Haemophilus ducreyi is a bacterium that causes a sexually transmitted infection characterized by painful ulcer disease. The infection begins as a small, red bump in the genital or anal area, which quickly turns into a painful, open sore. The incubation period is 4 to 10 days after infection. If untreated, the infection causes significant pain and discomfort, especially during urination and sexual intercourse. Testing is recommended if genital sores are visible, but negative results are obtained for Treponema pallidum, HSV 1/2.

Varicella zoster virus can cause Herpes zoster disease, characterized by pain, burning sensation, itching, and rash. The incubation period from viral reactivation to symptom onset can range from a few days to a few weeks. Initial symptoms often include pain or discomfort before the rash appears.