1st April 2022

A 23-year-old woman attends sexual health clinic

A 23-year-old woman attends sexual health clinic. She has had a painful rash on her genitals for two days and has also been having excessive vaginal discharge. She had sexual intercourse with a new partner around two weeks ago and did not think she needed to use any barrier contraception, as she is on the combined oral contraceptive pill. The patient is worried she has ‘caught something’ as she has never had any problems like this before. On examination, multiple blistering lesions are noted on the vulva, labia and perineum.

Which of the following is the most likely cause of this condition?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.