Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) 1+ 2 IgG and IgM Antibodies Test
Oral and genital herpes are lifelong infections caused by Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) types 1 and 2. These viruses are primarily spread through skin-to-skin contact with infected areas during sex. While many people with HSV never experience symptoms and may not be aware of their infection, they can still shed the virus and spread it to others.
Lab tests, in addition to clinical evaluation, are crucial to confirm the diagnosis of HSV infection.
The HSV 1+2 IgG and IgM Antibodies Panel is a comprehensive laboratory test that differentiates between recent exposure and past HSV infection. It works by detecting the presence of antibodies (IgG and IgM) to HSV 1 and 2 in the blood. Knowing the virus type helps your doctor decide what kind of treatment might be best for you.
Therefore, don't hesitate to seek medical advice if you suspect you may have herpes. Timely intervention helps manage the infection and reduce the risk of complications.
What is HSV 1+2 IgG and IgM Antibodies Panel Used For?
The purpose of HSV 1 and 2 IgG and IgM Antibodies Panel is:
To support the diagnosis of HSV (type 1 or 2) in people having symptoms
To follow up pregnant women who are at risk of having genital herpes
To determine an individual’s risk of getting herpes from a partner who has herpes.
To detect previous herpes infection in asymptomatic patients
To find out the type of HSV when symptoms recur overtime
Which Tests are Included in HSV 1+2 IgG and IgM Antibodies Test?
The HSV 1+2 IgG and IgM Antibodies panel has the following tests:
HSV-1+2 IgG Antibody Test:
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This test detects the presence of HSV-1 or 2 IgG antibodies, suggesting past or recurring infection.
HSV-1+2 IgM Antibody Test:
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This test detects the presence of HSV-1 or HSV-2 IgM antibodies, suggesting an active or recent HSV infection.
Symptoms of Herpes Meningoencephalitis
Symptoms of an initial herpes infection include:
Small painful sores on or around the genitals, rectum, mouth, or eyes
Fever, headache, and body pain
Tingling, itching, or burning sensation on the affected skin
Swollen lymph nodes
Preparation for Test
No special preparation is required before taking an HSV antibody test. However, let your doctor know your complete medical history. This will help them correlate your clinical and laboratory findings to provide a suitable treatment plan.
Interpretation of Test Results
Depending on the type of HSV an individual is infected with, the interpretation of the antibody panel results is as follows:
Positive result(Abnormal)
This report suggests HSV in the blood, with the antibodies appearing from recent exposure or past infection.
Negative result(Normal)
This report means HSV is not present in the sample, and it's unlikely for an individual to have an HSV infection. However, it cannot exclude the possibility of past infection. Equivocal Results are unclear in determining the presence and absence of IgG and IgM HSV antibodies.
FAQs
What does it mean if I get HSV IgM positive but IgG negative result?
If your report states positive HSV IgM and negative IgG results, it means that you probably have had a recent exposure to HSV, which is causing all your symptoms. However, studies show that IgM can reappear in blood tests in up to a third of people during the recurrence of symptoms, while it will be negative in up to half of those who recently acquired herpes infection. Therefore, IgM test results can be a bit misleading.
Are there risks associated with Herpes Simplex Virus 1 + 2 IgG and IgM test?
While the Herpes Simplex Virus 1 + 2 IgG and IgM test carries minimal risk, you can still have slight pain or bruising at the needle insertion site.
Can a person get infected with both HSV-1 and HSV-2?
Yes, an individual can get infected by HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections.
What are the possible complications associated with HSV infections?
If left unrecognized and untreated, someone with HSV may develop health concerns like brain inflammation (e.g., encephalitis) and an increased risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV. Newborns are especially vulnerable to herpes if their mother has active genital herpes during childbirth.
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