Palette of 7 Causes of Genital Ulcers from Scrapes (Herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1), Herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2), Haemophilus ducreyi, Cytomegalo virus (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 lesions, mucous surfaces, genital secretions, or oral secretions. HSV-1 and HSV-2 can be shed from normally appearing oral or genital mucosa or skin. Typically, a person can contract HSV-2 only during genital contact with someone who has an HSV-2 infection. However, oral-genital contact with someone who has oral HSV-1 can lead to genital HSV-1 infection. Transmission most commonly occurs from contact with an infected partner who does not have visible lesions and may not be aware they are infected. Most people infected with HSV are asymptomatic or have very mild symptoms that go unnoticed or are mistaken for other skin conditions. When symptoms do occur, herpes lesions usually appear as one or more blisters on or around the genitals, rectum, or mouth. The average incubation period for an initial herpes infection is 2 to 12 days after exposure. The 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 differ between the first and recurrent (i.e., later) outbreaks. The first herpes outbreak is often associated with a longer healing period, increased viral shedding (thereby 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 appear after 10 - 90 days, usually within 3 weeks (21 days). The main symptom is a painless sore that occurs at the site of infection. The sore may be hard to notice and often disappears within 3–6 weeks even without treatment, but it can periodically recur. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent the progression of the infection.

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 serovars of Chlamydia trachomatis (L1, L2, L3). The main route of transmission is through sexual intercourse: vaginal, anal, and oral. The primary symptom is small, painless blisters or sores in the genital or rectal area, which often go unnoticed. It manifests 3-30 days after infection. If untreated, it can lead to chronic inflammation, lymph node damage, rectal damage, and reproductive system issues.

Cytomegalo virus (CMV) is a member of the herpesvirus family, causing chronic infections. Although CMV is not usually considered a specific sexually transmitted infection, it can be transmitted through sexual contact. Most healthy individuals infected with CMV are asymptomatic, but some may experience symptoms similar to mononucleosis (fever, fatigue, muscle aches, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes). The CMV incubation period typically ranges from 3 to 12 weeks after infection. Most healthy people experience asymptomatic or mild infections, after which the virus remains in the body in a latent form and can be reactivated in the future, especially if the immune system is weakened. If a pregnant woman is 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 the bacterium that causes a sexually transmitted infection characterized by painful ulcerative disease. The infection begins as a small, red bump on the genitals or anal area, which quickly develops into a painful, open sore. The incubation period is 4 to 10 days after infection. An untreated infection can cause significant pain and discomfort, particularly during urination and sexual intercourse. Testing is recommended if genital ulcers are visible, but Treponema pallidum and HSV 1/2 test results are negative.

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