Herpes Simplex Virus 1 & 2 IgM

Herpes Simplex Virus(HSV) 1 & 2 IgM test helps in early diagnosis of the highly contagious Herpes disease caused by HSV. In general HSV-1 causes oral herpes, indicating symptoms like cold sores and blisters near the mouth or on the face. While HSV-2 causes genital herpes, which is manifested by sores in the genital area. Other symptoms of the HSV 1 and 2 infection include fever, sore throat, headache, and tingling in the affected area. 

This test is also suggested in case of encephalitis where the viral infection is suspected. An IgG test is usually advised after 2-3 weeks of IgM test.

Herpes is a common viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It can be classified into two types, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Herpes simplex virus test is done to identify the presence of the virus in a sample from a blister, sore, or fluid. This is done to diagnose an acute herpes infection or to detect herpes antibodies in the blood to determine previous exposure to herpes.

Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are contagious and periodically cause small fever blisters that break to form open lesions. HSV-1 initially causes blisters or "cold sores" around the mouth, while HSV-2 usually causes lesions around the genital area. However, either one can affect the oral or genital areas.

The herpes simplex virus can be passed from one individual to others through skin contact while the sores are open and healing. It can even get passed on when there are no visible sores. HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted disease whereas HSV-1 can also be acquired during oral sex and found in the genital area. These viruses show mild symptoms due to that 90% of HSV-2 infected people remain unaware of their condition.

When someone is first infected, the person may have obvious and painful blisters at the site of infection, which usually appear within two weeks after the virus is first transmitted. The blisters can appear in the vaginal area, on the penis, around the anus, or on the buttocks or thighs. This initial infection can include a second outbreak of blisters and even flu-like symptoms such as fever and swollen glands. However, not everyone develops blisters, and sometimes symptoms are so mild that they are unnoticeable or mistaken for something else, such as insect bites or a rash.

Once someone is infected and the initial infection resolves, the person will harbor the HSV in a hidden form. During periods of stress or illness, the virus may reactivate.

People with conditions like HIV/AIDS or those who have had an organ transplant in which the immune system gets suppressed may have more frequent and serious outbreaks of HSV. While there is no cure for herpes, antiviral medications can suppress outbreaks and shorten the duration of symptoms and may promote active shedding of the virus.

Rarely, the virus can cause neonatal herpes (when a woman transmits the virus to her baby during vaginal delivery). Symptoms of neonatal herpes appear during the first month of the delivery, but if left untreated then they can lead to long-term damage to a baby's health. A pregnant woman who has been diagnosed with herpes may require regular monitoring prior to delivery. This is done to screen if there is any activity of HBV infection, which would indicate the requirement of a cesarean section to avoid infecting the baby.

The herpes simplex virus can be transmitted to the brain which may cause encephalitis. This illness can be life-threatening or may cause serious, permanent neurological problems in those who survive.