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Which types of herpes simplex virus can cause genital herpes?

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sexually transmitted disease Scanning electron micrograph of the spirochete *Treponema pallidum* attached to testicular cell membranes.

Genital herpes is primarily caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), which is typically transmitted through sexual contact.12

However, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)—which is more commonly associated with oral infections like cold sores—can also cause genital herpes. This occurs through crossover infections, often resulting from oral-genital contact.12