Diagnostic test for genital herpes

Herpes is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the US with 45 million people carrying it. Herpes is highly contagious and cannot be completely cured, but with health education and medical treatment, people can reduce or prevent outbreaks and transmission to sexual partners.

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two strains of the virus:
HSV-2 is the most common cause of genital herpes. HSV-1, which causes cold sores or fever blisters, which many people get on their lips, can also cause genital herpes. The virus can be spread through both vaginal or anal intercourse and oral sex. This virus is spread easily by contact with herpes sores. However, the virus can also spread from an infected person without any signs or symptoms of infection.

Tests to detect if a patient has a herpes virus infection may be ordered in cases such as:
The doctor needs to find out if sores on the mouth or genitals are caused by the herpes virus . Diagnosis of herpes virus infection in pregnant women. Find out if a newborn gets the herpes virus from his mother.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend herpes virus testing for people who have no symptoms of genital herpes. But you may need testing for the herpes virus if:
You have symptoms of herpes, such as blisters or sores on the genitals or other part of the body. The sex partner of the patient is infected with the herpes virus. You are pregnant and you or your partner have had a previous herpes infection or have symptoms of genital herpes. If you test positive for the herpes virus, your newborn may also need testing. HSV-2 can increase your risk of getting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). You may need other testing if you have risk factors for STDs. You may be at higher risk if:
Have multiple sexual partners. Men who have sex with men. Having a sexual partner with HIV and/or other STDs. In rare cases, the herpes virus can cause encephalitis or meningitis, a life-threatening infection. Therefore, a person may need to be tested for the herpes virus if there are symptoms of a brain or spinal cord disorder, such as:
Fever Stiff neck Confusion Severe headache Sensitivity to light

CDC does not recommend herpes testing for people without symptoms. This is because a diagnosis of genital herpes in an asymptomatic person does not show any change in their sexual behavior (e.g., wearing a condom or not having sex) nor does it prevent stop the virus from spreading. In addition, false-positive test results (test results that show that the patient has herpes but are not actually infected) is possible. Even if you have no symptoms, you should still talk openly and honestly about your sexual history with your doctor to find out if you should be tested for any STDs. including herpes.

Tests for genital herpes include:
PCR test : A PCR test can tell if a person has genital herpes even if the person has no symptoms. The PCR test looks for fragments of viral DNA in a patient sample taken from cells or fluid from a genital or urinary tract sore. This is a test commonly used to diagnose genital herpes and is very accurate. Cell culture: During the physical exam, your doctor will order a sample of cells from the sore to look for the herpes simplex virus (HSV) under a microscope. A cell culture or PCR test may give a false negative result if the ulcer has already begun to heal or if the person is newly infected. A false-negative test indicates that the patient is not infected with the Herpes virus when in fact the patient is infected. There is also a false positive test result, which means that the result is positive, but in fact the patient is not infected with the herpes virus.

Other tests Blood tests can detect antibodies to the Herpes virus, which are proteins made by the immune system in response to an infection. With direct immunofluorescence, a solution containing HSV antibodies and a fluorescent dye is added to a specimen suspected of having herpes virus infection. If the virus is present in the specimen, the antibodies stick to it and glow when viewed under a specialized microscope. The test cannot tell when a person is infected with the virus and it can take several weeks for antibodies to form.
Antibody tests can tell the difference between two Herpes viruses. It is important to know what type of herpes virus the patient has. If infected with type 2 (HSV-2), the person may have flare-ups more often than with type 1 (HSV-1) and also cause cold sores to appear on the lips and around the mouth.
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Reference source: Webmd.com