HSV-1+2 IgM Antibodies
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About HSV-1+2 IgM Antibodies
Herpes simplex virus causes an infection called Herpes infection. It is of two types – HSV-1 that causes cold sores around the mouth or face region, and HSV-2 that affects the genitals, anal, and buttocks region. It is transmitted through direct contact with infected persons.
The HSV-1+2 IgM antibodies test helps in the detection of herpes simplex virus-specific IgM antibodies. This test is used to confirm any active or recently resolved herpes simplex virus infections in individuals. These IgM antibodies are typically present in an individual's blood as soon as they are infected by the virus and remain for six to eight months.
What is the HSV-1+2 IgM antibody test used for?
The HSV-1+2 IgM antibody test is used to detect recent or active herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2) infection by identifying IgM antibodies, which appear early in the infection (usually within days to weeks) and indicate a current or very recent infection.
The HSV-1+2 IgM antibody test is recommended in individuals when:
- Signs of HSV are seen such as blisters on the genitals
- There is risk exposure to sexually transmitted diseases and at risk of herpes infection
- The person is expecting a child or attempting to conceive
- There is past exposure to HSV
Symptoms of Herpes infection
In most of the cases, the herpes infection is asymptomatic, i.e., with no symptoms. However, if symptoms appear, they include:
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Open sores (ulcers) – a characteristic feature of herpes infection
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Fever
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Body aches
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Sore throat (oral herpes)
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Headache
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Swollen lymph nodes
Who should get tested?
The HSV-1+2 IgM antibody test should be taken by individuals who are/have :
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Sexually active
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Have more than one sexual partner
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Have sex with partners affected with herpes or other STDs
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Trying to conceive or pregnant
Test preparation
No special preparation is required to take the HSV-1+2 IgM antibody test.
Please talk to your healthcare provider if you are on any medications before taking the test.
Interpretation of the Test Results
Normal range: 0.89 IV or less (intravenous immunoglobulins)
The test results for the herpes simplex virus-1+2 IgM antibody test are given as either positive or negative.
Positive test results
These indicate there were IgM antibodies detected in the individual’s blood and may mean one of the following two things:
- Active or current infection
- Past or resolved infection
Negative test results
It indicates there were no IgM antibodies found in the individual’s blood sample and it is likely that the individual is not infected by the herpes simplex virus.
FAQs on HSV-1+2 IgG Antibodies
The test results for the HSV-1+2 IgM antibody test are generally available within 2 – 3 working days after the sample collection. However, it can also take a little longer at times.
Your healthcare provider will draw a few millilitres of blood from a vein in your forearm. Your physician will either tie an elastic band around your upper arm or ask you to make a fist to collect the blood sample. This will aid in the accumulation of blood in the veins, making blood collection easier. Following that, he will inject a small needle into a vein in your arm, extract a few millilitres of blood, and then withdraw the needle.
No, there are no potential risks associated with the HSV-1+2 IgM antibody test. It is a simple blood test and may involve negligible risk such as feeling a slight sting or a bruise at the site of needle insertion. It usually resolves within a few minutes to a couple of hours. Rarely, the site can become infected.
HSV infection spreads by either direct skin contact or through sexual contact with an infected individual. As a result, it is always best to keep your distance from HSV-positive persons and refrain from sharing your personal items.
The other tests such as viral culture test, polymerase chain reaction test, virus antigen detection test, and antibody test, etc. could be advised along with the HSV-1+2 IgM antibody test to ensure the test results.
HSV-1+2 IgM Antibodies
