Herpes Simplex Virus is a common pathogen of humans. The clinical course of HSV in humans is extremely variable. Primary infection with HSV, either type 1 or 2, is unapparent or subclinical in a majority of cases.
When clinically apparent, HSV infections can range from minimal stomatitis to a fatal generalized infection. Some of the major clinical manifestations of HSV infections are acute gingivostomatitis, recurrent herpes labialis, keratoconjunctivitis, eczema herpeticum, encephalitis, and meningitis.
Generalized infections are normally confined to individuals with immune deficiency, immunosuppressed patients, or newborns.
There are two distinct types of HSV: Types 1 and 2.
HSV-1 and HSV-2 are closely related but they can be separated both serologically and biologically.
HSV-1 is associated with lesions above the waist (encephalitis, stomatitis, eye infections, and, in some cases, of generalized infections).
HSV-2 is primarily an infection of the genitalia and surrounding area. HSV-2 is sexually transmitted and is the cause of a large majority of generalized infections of the newborn. However, a strict relationship of localization and types of HSV is not absolute. There are a number of serological tests for the detection of HSV antibodies.
The HSV-2 IgM Test System is useful in determining:
1. Recent infection with HSV by demonstrating the presence of immunoglobulin M antibody directed against HSV-2.
2. Undiagnosed congenital diseases and etiology of prolonged fever in immunosuppressed patients.
HSV 2 IgM Antibodies
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