Herpes Simplex Virus 1 & 2 IgG & IgM
Understanding Herpes Simplex Virus 1 & 2 IgG & IgM
What is Herpes Simplex Virus 1 & 2 IgG & IgM?
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 & 2 IgG & IgM test is performed to screen for Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infection. This test checks if a person has antibodies (IgG or IgM) against HSV-1 & 2; the two types of herpes viruses that cause oral and genital herpes respectively, but cannot differentiate between them. IgM antibodies indicate a recent infection whereas IgG antibodies indicate past exposure to the virus. Oral herpes is characterized by symptoms like cold sores and blisters near the mouth or on the face while genital herpes shows symptoms like itching and blisters around genital areas etc. Herpes can be prevented by avoiding unprotected intercourse and refraining from physical contact (kissing) with someone who is infected.
What is Herpes Simplex Virus 1 & 2 IgG & IgM used for?
The doctor orders the HSV 1 & 2 IgG & IgM test when a patient shows the symptoms of an HSV that may include-
>Oral Herpes: fever blisters or cold sores around the mouth
>Genital Herpes: small sores with itching and pain around the genital area, scabs, painful urination, pain in vagina or pinus
What does Herpes Simplex Virus 1 & 2 IgG & IgM measure?
Contains 2 testsHerpes Simplex Virus 1 & 2 IgM
The Herpes Simplex Virus 1 & 2 IgM test is designed to detect IgM antibodies that are produced as a body's first response to a HSV infection. IgM antibodies may take up to 10 days to develop. Also, these antibodies are usually present in higher concentrations shortly after an infection and eventually decrease after a time period (7-10 days). Therefore, the presence of HSV-1 or HSV-2 IgM antibodies typically suggests a recent infection.
Early detection allows doctors to detect symptoms quickly and provide necessary medical interventions to individuals suffering from HSV infection, leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life.
Know more about Herpes Simplex Virus 1 & 2 IgM
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 & 2, IgG
A Herpes Simplex Virus 1 & 2, IgG test determines the presence of IgG antibodies against HSV-1 and HSV-2 in response to the Herpes infection. Your body begins to make two relevant types of HSV-1 antibody or HSV-2 antibody around 18 to 21 days after you are exposed to the virus and remains in the body for life. The presence of IgG antibodies generally indicates past exposure and immunity against Herpes infection.
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Interpreting Herpes Simplex Virus 1 & 2 IgG & IgM results
Interpretations
If the HSV 1 & 2 IgM test is ruled as positive, then the patient is suffering from an active HSV infection.
If the HSV 1 & 2 IgG test results come back as positive, it means that the patient once suffered from an HSV infection.