Genital herpes in an AIDS patient. Erosive herpes skin lesions on and surrounding the genitals of a female AIDS patient from Africa. The lesions are erosive and failing to heal because the virus (HIV) that causes AIDS, has weakened the patient's immune system. The immune system would normally be able to defend against infection, but HIV allows the infections to become severe. Genital herpes is caused by sexual transmission of a herpes virus. HIV transmission may occur through herpes lesions. Wounds also heal more slowly in the tropics. AIDS is acquired immune deficiency syndrome. HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus.