Herpes simplex (HSV 1) IgM

General Information:

Two types of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) are distinguished:

• type 1 (labial) - causes the herpes rashes that appear from the waist up, including ocular herpes
• type 2 (genital) - causes herpes rashes from the waist down. The infection happens through direct contact and is one of the causes of TORCH syndrome. Ocular herpes is the most common cause of blindness of viral origin. Type 2 causes severe meningoencephalitis in neonates ending with a fatal outcome.

The following are investigated:

• HSV 1 IgM - a sign for suspicion of acute infection
• HSV 2 IgM - a sign for suspicion of acute infection
• HSV 1 IgG - a sign of the carrier and the infection. It remains for life.
• HSV 2 IgG - a sign of the carrier and the infection. It remains for life.

Sample Required:

Venous blood

Keywords:

Herpes Simplex - HSV 1, Type 1 IgM