Herpes virus type 2 Antibodies IgM

There are two main types of herpes virus: HSV1 and HSV2.

Herpes simplex virus type XNUMX (HSV II) Causes herpes for the first time by damaging the skin and genitals, buttocks, lower extremities. Causes meningoencephalitis, neonatal herpes, congenital herpes, myelitis and encephalitis. The prevalence of HSV1 infections in the general population is 70-80%, while the prevalence of HSV2 is approximately 17-25%.

Genital herpes can be caused by both HSV1 (15% of cases) and HSV2 (85% of cases). It is a sexually transmitted disease, characterized by lesions in the genital area in the form of small vesicles filled with serous contents, which are easily disintegrated and painful ulcers appear in their place, the injury may be accompanied by pain and burning sensation when urinating. Other symptoms may include itching and lymphadenopathy. Often the first lesions are accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever, headache, photophobia, myalgia, and general weakness.

Although HSV1 and HSV2 are transmitted in different ways and affect different areas of the body, there is often a cross between the epidemiology of these two viruses and the clinical manifestations of the infections caused by them.

Differentiation between HSV1 and HSV2 infections is useful in patients with subclinical or unnoticed infections. The main situations in which it is particularly important to differentiate between HSV1 and HSV2 are:

• Consulting pregnant women and determining the risk of congenital infection.
• Determining the likelihood of infection reactivation (in case of higher HSV2).
• Prescribing antiviral therapy (may vary by type of HSV).

HSV infections are usually diagnosed based on clinical manifestations and laboratory tests such as viral DNA detection, viral cultures, and serological tests.

Evaluation of serological markers (IgM, IgG) is an indirect method of diagnosing infection - it allows us to assess the body's immune response to a pathogen in the body.

Determination of IgM - This study allows us to detect IgM antibodies to HSV1 and HSV2 in blood serum. Detection of IgM antibodies is useful in confirming active infection. This is the earliest blood test that can be used to detect herpes.

Anti-HSV antibodies appear at 2-3 weeks of acute infection, with peak antibody levels observed 4-6 weeks after the development of the clinical picture of the disease. Elevated IgM antibody levels in serum samples taken at 7-10 day intervals indicate first infection. Re-infection in individuals with pre-existing IgM antibodies does not cause a significant change in their levels, even with a pronounced clinical picture. In the case of HSV2, the average time for seroconversion (disappearance of IgM) is 2-3 weeks.

How to prepare for the test?

No special preparation is required prior to testing.