Microbiology

A 37 year old newly married man presents with multiple blister-like lesions on the glans of his penis, appearing over the past 2 days. On questioning, he recalls similar episodes over the past 2 years. Examination is remarkable for tender, 3-4 mm vesicular lesions on the shaft of his penis with no apparent crusting, drainage, or bleeding. There is also slight bilateral inguinal adenopathy. During the asymptomatic period between outbreaks, where would the causative agent likely have been found?