Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: July 30, 2025 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Conditions Similar to HHV2 (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2)

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • HSV1 (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1): Often presents with similar symptoms to HHV2, including genital herpes, but is typically associated with oral herpes. The clinical presentation can be very similar, making it a common consideration in the differential diagnosis.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Syphilis: Caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, syphilis can present with genital ulcers that resemble those caused by HHV2, making it an important consideration in the differential diagnosis.
  • Chancroid: A bacterial infection caused by Haemophilus ducreyi, characterized by painful genital ulcers and lymphadenopathy, which can be confused with the symptoms of HHV2.
  • Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV): A sexually transmitted infection caused by certain types of Chlamydia trachomatis, which can present with genital ulcers, lymphadenopathy, and other symptoms similar to HHV2.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus can present with a variety of symptoms, including genital ulcers, and it is crucial to test for HIV in patients with suspected sexually transmitted infections due to the significant implications for patient management and public health.
  • Sphilis in Pregnancy: Untreated syphilis in pregnancy can lead to congenital syphilis, which has severe consequences for the fetus, making it critical to diagnose and treat promptly.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Granuloma Inguinale (Donovanosis): A rare sexually transmitted infection caused by Klebsiella granulomatis, characterized by genital ulcers without lymphadenopathy, which can be mistaken for HHV2 due to the presence of ulcers.
  • Molluscum Contagiosum: A viral infection that causes small, pearly, or flesh-colored lesions on the skin, which can occasionally be found in the genital area and might be confused with the lesions caused by HHV2.

Related Questions

Does a patient need proton pump inhibitor (PPI) cover when taking only colchicine and allopurinol?
What are the follow-up recommendations for a patient with a villotubular (tubulovillous) adenoma found on colonoscopy?
What is the recommended dosage of loperamide (anti-diarrheal medication) for a patient with atrial fibrillation (AFib)?
What is the appropriate initial evaluation and treatment for an 8-year-old child with a chronic cough suspected to be due to allergies?
What are the symptoms of parathyroid adenoma?
What are the characteristic differences between Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HHV1) and Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HHV2)?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question