Description
Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (IgG), Type-Specific Antibody - Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is responsible for several clinically significant human viral diseases, with severity ranging from inapparent to fatal. Clinical manifestations include genital tract infections, neonatal herpes, meningoencephalitis, keratoconjunctivitis, and gingivostomatitis. There are two HSV serotypes that are closely related antigenically. HSV type 2 is more commonly associated with genital tract and neonatal infections, while HSV type 1 is more commonly associated with infections of non-genital sites. Specific typing is not usually required for diagnosis or treatment. The mean time to seroconversion using the type specific assay is 25 days. The performance of this assay has not been established for use in a pediatric population, for neonatal screening, or for testing of immunocompromised patients.
This test helps to detect exposure to Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) types 1 or 2, as well as differentiates between both types and assists in diagnosis and patient management.Herpes type 1 is associated with an oral infection that causes cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth and lips.Herpes type 2 is associated with an infection in the genitals that results in sores around the rectum or genitals. HSV-1 and HSV-2 don’t always cause symptoms, and people may not know they have the infection.
The serum herpes simplex antibodies test doesn’t actually check for the HSV infection itself. However, it can determine whether someone has antibodies to the virus.Antibodies are special proteins that the body uses to defend itself against invading organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.This means that most people who have an HSV infection will have the corresponding antibodies.The test can detect antibodies for both types of HSV infections.
The symptoms of HSV-2 are:
Small blisters or open sores in the genital area
A tingling or burning sensation in the genital area
Abnormal vaginal discharge
Fever
Muscle aches
Headache
Painful urination
HSV-2 testing should be conducted between four and six weeks after potential exposure. When the body is infected with HSV-2, it produces antibodies to help fight the infection, called immunoglobulin G (IgG). The HerpeSelect® Herpes Type 2 Test is used to identify IgG in the blood. The HerpeSelect® Herpes Type 2 Test is 97 to 99 percent accurate between four to six weeks post-exposure and remains 99 percent accurate after 6 weeks post-exposure. It’s important to wait at least four weeks after exposure, because it takes time for the body to develop antibodies that are detected by a blood test. The HerpeSelect® Herpes Type 2 Test detects HSV-2, even when there are no symptoms and the infection is not active.Herpes type 2 can be passed on to the newborn during childbirth, affecting the baby’s skin, eyes, mouth, and even the nervous system. HSV-2 can be deadly for a newborn child.
