Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgM
Understanding Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgM
What is Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgM?
A Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgM test helps determine a recent or acute Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)-2 infection by detecting specific IgM antibodies. HSV-2 is a highly contagious condition that causes sores around the mouth or genital area. This test helps identify the infection in its early stage, allowing for timely treatment thereby reducing the risk of transmission.
Herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), commonly known as genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It causes sores on the skin that comes in contact with the genitals of an infected person. Most HSV infections are asymptomatic (without any symptoms) or unrecognized, but symptoms of HSV2 include painful blisters or ulcers that can recur over time. While herpes is not curable, it can be well managed with medicines.
HSV-2 is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, leading to genital sores and discomfort. It is essential to get tested if you are experiencing symptoms or if someone has sexual contact with an infected person, as the virus can be transmitted even in the absence of symptoms. In those who experience symptoms, it may include painful, recurring genital blisters or ulcers, painful urination, unusual discharge from the urethra and vagina, fever, body aches, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.
The Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgM test looks for IgM antibodies in the blood, which are produced in response to an active or recently acquired herpes infection. Therefore, the presence of HSV-2 IgM antibodies typically signifies an active or recent infection, as these antibodies are produced shortly after the onset of symptoms and decline over time. HSV-2 IgM antibodies may also be found in individuals who have a recurrence of a past herpes infection.
Usually, no special preparation is needed before undergoing a Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgM test. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results and narrate your complete medical history and symptoms to help them correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. Negative results do not rule out the possibility of infection. Retesting is recommended after 8-14 days.
What is Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgM used for?
A Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgM test is done:
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To confirm the diagnosis of herpes simplex virus 2 infection in individuals with or without suggestive symptoms.
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To find out if an individual is recently exposed to herpes infection.
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To detect the infection in your sexual partner if you are already infected.
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To estimate and analyze the frequency of your symptoms and future outbreaks.
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To identify a potential HSV infection in pregnant females without any relatable symptoms.
What does Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgM measure?
The Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgM test detects the presence of IgM antibodies that are produced against an infection caused by herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2). IgM antibodies specific for HSV-2 are present only for a relatively short period of time. They are the first antibodies to form after the infection and are excellent markers for the presence of a recently acquired or active disease. Also, these antibodies are usually present in higher concentrations shortly after infection and eventually decrease after some time (7-10 days).
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgM
Frequently Asked Questions about Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgM
Q. Why is the Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgM test ordered?
Q. What preparations are needed for the HSV-2 IgM test?
Q. Is there any risk associated with the Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgM test?
Q. Can the HSV-2 IgM test differentiate between oral and genital herpes?
Q. How often should one get tested for the HSV-2 IgM test?
Q. Can a pregnant woman get tested for {test-name} test?
Q. How long does a herpes outbreak last?
Q. Are symptoms of herpes virus infection the same for everyone?
Q. How is herpes managed?
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References
- Genital Herpes – CDC Basic Fact Sheet [Internet]. CDC; 03 Jan. 2022 [Accessed 29 Jan 2024]. Available From: https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm#:~:text=While%20herpes%20is%20not%20curable,your%20concerns%20and%20treatment%20options.
- Genital Herpes Screening FAQ [Internet]. CDC; 11 Jul. 2022 [Accessed 29 Jan 2024]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/screening.htm
- Herpes simplex virus [Internet]. WHO; 05 Apr. 2023 [Accessed 29 Jan 2024]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus
- Tada DG, Khandelwal N. Serum HSV-1 and 2 IgM in Sexually Transmitted Diseases - More for Screening Less for Diagnosis: An Evaluation of Clinical Manifestation. J Glob Infect Dis. 2012 Jul;4(3):S1-4. [Accessed 29 Jan 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3459440/
- Nath P, Kabir MA, Doust SK, Ray A. Diagnosis of Herpes Simplex Virus: Laboratory and Point-of-Care Techniques. Infect Dis Rep. 2021 Jun 2;13(2):518-539. [Accessed 29 Jan 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8293188/
- Saleh D, Yarrarapu SNS, Sharma S. Herpes Simplex Type 1. [Updated 2023 Aug 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482197/
- Sauerbrei A. Herpes Genitalis: Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. 2016 Dec;76(12):1310-1317. [Accessed 29 Jan 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5177552/
- Katz D, Hilliard JK, Mirkovic RR, Word RA. ELISA for detection of IgG and IgM antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV-2 in human sera. J Virol Methods. 1986 Aug;14(1):43-55. [Accessed 29 Jan 2024]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3021796/
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