Description
Test Description:
| CODE: | HS1G |
| UNITS: | OD Ratio |
| TECHNOLOGY: | E.L.I.S.A |
| FASTING TYPE: | NON FASTING |
| SAMPLE TYPE: | SERUM |
| VOLUME: | 1ml |
| NORMAL RANGE: | – |
Clinical Significance:
The Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a member of the Herpesviridae family, of which to types are known : type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) which present slight antigenic differences. HSV-1 causes chiefly oral-facial lesions, while HSV-2 is mainly responsible for genital lesions. HSV may also cause a form of ocular cheratitis and lesions of the central nervous system. Psychosocial distress, increased risk of HIV infection, and perinatal transmission are all factors that can complicate this painful disease. Appropriate treatment becomes critical to decreasing morbidity.HSV affects the skin, mucous membranes and, less frequently, the esophagus and brain. Skin infections are usually located in the orolabial, genital, or anorectal areas. Orofacial herpes affects the trigeminal ganglion, whereas genital herpes involves the sacral ganglion.
Herpes simplex infection generally occurs in two phases: the initial, primary infection, followed by secondary, recurrent disease at the same site. In the first phase, the virus spreads by close person-to-person contact with lesions or mucosal secretions (eg, saliva, cervical discharge) as well as by respiratory droplets. The virus then spreads to regional lymph nodes, causing tender lymphadenopathy. At this point, the lesions are numerous and more scattered than in recurrent disease. Recurrent herpes, in contrast, is milder and of shorter duration than the primary infection. Genital herpes recurs more often than labial herpes, and HSV-2 infection is more likely to recur than HSV-1.
| HSV-1 | HSV-II |
| Transplacental. | Sexual transmission. |
| Contacts of infected saliva with active wound. | Transplacental. |
Oral secretion Any person who has engaged in sexual activities is at risk for infection with genital herpes. However, a number of factors have been shown to increase the risk of acquiring the disease. The following may increase the risk of becoming infected with genital herpes:
- Younger age at onset of sexual activity.
- Female gender: among heterosexuals, genital herpes is more easily spread from male to female than female to male. However, males still frequently get genital herpes from females
