Herpes Simplex Virus Test Kits
The HSV 1/2 IgG/IgM Rapid Herpes Virus Test Cassette is a rapid chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of IgG and IgM antibodies to HSV 1/2 in whole blood, serum or plasma specimens.
The Herpes Simplex Virus.
Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), also known as human herpesvirus 1 and 2 (HHV-1 and HHV-2), are two members of the herpesvirus family. Both HSV-1 (which produces most cold sores) and HSV-2 (which produces most genital herpes) are ubiquitous and contagious. They can be spread when an infected person is producing and shedding the virus. According to the World Health Organization 67% of the world population under the age of 50 have HSV-1.
Herpes Symptoms.
Symptoms of herpes virus include watery blisters in the skin or mucous membranes of the mouth, lips, nose or genitals. Lesions heal with a scab characteristic of herpetic disease. Sometimes, the viruses cause very mild or atypical symptoms during outbreaks. However, it can also cause more troublesome forms of herpes simplex. As neurotropic and neuroinvasive viruses, HSV-1 and 2 persist in the body by becoming latent and hiding from the immune system in the cell bodies of neurons.
Further Symptoms and Complications
After the initial or primary infection, some infected people experience sporadic episodes of viral reactivation or outbreaks. In an outbreak, the virus in a nerve cell becomes active and is transported via the neuron’s axon to the skin, where virus replication and shedding occur and cause new sores. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. If herpes affects the eyes, then you need to see a doctor for treatment as soon as possible. If left untreated it can damage your vision. On very occasions it can spread to the brain causing a condition called encephalitis. If you keep getting symptoms your doctor might prescribe a course or antiviral tablets.
The NHS has more information about Herpes, click here to find out more.
