Skin of the penis: Herpes simplex virus infection with HIV

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection This is a high power view of a skin lesion on the penis of a patient with HIV disease. It shows disrupted squamous epithelium due to infection with HSV. There are several necrotic cells being sloughed. Several cells contain multiple nuclei with viral inclusions. These are seen as irregular block-shaped, purple/grey, homogenous material, comprising large numbers of herpes virions. H&E stain. This appearance is typical of infection with HSV. It also occurs in skin lesions due to varicella zoster virus.