Palette of 7 Causes of Genital Ulcers from Scrapes (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 a normal-appearing oral or genital mucosa or skin. Typically, a person can only contract HSV-2 through genital contact with someone who has an HSV-2 infection. However, oral-genital contact from a person infected with oral HSV-1 can result in genital HSV-1 infection. Transmission most often occurs through contact with an infected partner who does not have visible lesions and who may not know 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 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. Blisters break and leave painful ulcers, which may take two to four weeks to heal. This appearance of symptoms is called the first herpes 'outbreak' or episode. Clinical manifestations of genital herpes differ between first and recurrent (i.e., subsequent) outbreaks. The first herpes outbreak is often associated with a longer duration of symptoms, increased viral shedding (making HSV transmission more likely), and systemic symptoms, including fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, or headache.

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

Chlamydia trachomatis LGV - one of the diseases caused by the chlamydia bacterium is lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV). LGV is a sexually transmitted infection caused by specific serovars of Chlamydia trachomatis (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, which often go unnoticed. Symptoms appear 3 to 30 days after infection. If untreated, chronic inflammation, lymph node, rectal damage, and reproductive system problems can develop.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a member of the herpesvirus family that causes chronic infections. Although CMV is not typically considered a specific 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 usually lasts from 3 to 12 weeks after infection. Most healthy individuals experience an asymptomatic or mild infection, after which the virus remains in the body in a latent form and can be reactivated later, especially when 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 leading to congenital CMV infection with serious consequences.

Haemophilus ducreyi is a bacterium that causes a sexually transmitted infection characterized by painful ulcerative disease. The infection starts as a small, red bump on the genital or anal area, which quickly becomes a painful, open sore. The incubation period lasts from 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 ulcers are present but tests for Treponema pallidum, HSV 1/2 return negative results.

Varicella zoster - this virus can cause Herpes zoster disease, which manifests as pain, burning sensation, itching, and rash. The incubation period from virus reactivation to symptom onset can range from a few days to several weeks. Early symptoms often include pain or discomfort before the rash appears.