Analysis on herpes very important to do in preparation for the pregnancy in order to establish whether there is a herpes virus in the body and if there is, how long the infection occurred. This analysis will reveal the degree of risk of contracting herpes infection of the fetus. But not only pregnant women should be tested for herpes, it is important to early detection and treatment of the infection in all women and men.

What is herpes infection

Herpes infection - is an infection that is caused by the herpes viruses, which after implementation often causes acute disease course (but no less often asymptomatic), and remain forever in the human body, periodically, with a decrease in immunity, causing a worsening of the disease.

Currently known are 8 types of herpes viruses, which can cause various diseases in humans:

• herpes simplex virus Herpes simplex - in fact, not so simple   (HSV) I type - an infection that appears as a skin rash on the face ("cold" on the lips);
• herpes simplex virus (HSV) II type - an infection that appears as a rash on the mucous membranes of the genitals;
• herpes virus type III - varicella zoster;
• Herpes virus type IV - Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononukleo;
• herpesvirus type V - cytomegalovirus Cytomegalovirus - what is its danger? ;
• herpesvirus type VI - causes roseola (psevdokrasnuhu);
• herpesvirus type VII - it is believed that this virus causes chronic fatigue syndrome Chronic fatigue - if life is not a pleasant experience ;
• herpesvirus type VIII - associated sarcoma Sarcoma - a full recovery possible   Sarcoma.

Why is it so important analysis for herpes

The most common herpes infections are diseases caused by HSV - I and HSV - II. With laboratory diagnostics possible to identify not only the presence of these viruses in the human body, but also to establish whether the disease is primary or the manifestation of a long-term latent infection.

It is particularly important to identify the presence of herpes in preparation for pregnancy or during pregnancy, as all herpes infections are TORCH infections - diseases that can cause serious complications in the fetus in utero.

That's why experts recommend that women planning a pregnancy with preliminary inspection for several months prior to conception. A feature of herpes infection is most dangerous to the fetus is a primary infection during pregnancy. If the infection takes a chronic nature, the risk of infection is greatly reduced.

What tests pass on herpes

To obtain reliable data laboratory diagnosis of herpes should include a combination of at least two methods. The diagnosis of herpes type I and II is supported by the following two types of analyzes:

• PCR (polymerase chain reaction), which is 100% guaranteed detects HSV genes in the organism - I and HSV II;
• ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) - detect antibodies to HSV - I and HSV II.

Analysis by PCR for herpes

PCR method can determine the presence of herpes virus in blood or in mucosal scrapings from the skin or during exacerbation.

In acute primary herpetic infection caused by HSV - I and HSV II, the virus can be detected in the cells of skin and mucous membranes for weeks after the first signs of infection, and at relapse (relapse) - for four days. When violations of immunity, this period can last up to 20 days.

Thus, detection of HSV - I and HSV II in the cells of the skin and mucous membranes (tested positive for herpes) speaks of acute infectious process. But the positive test results for herpes PCR method does not allow us to establish whether this process is a primary or secondary.

The blood test for herpes ELISA

IFA - a blood test for the herpes virus, which allows identification of antibodies to HSV - I and HSV II, but also to determine their amount. Analysis on herpes - decoding ELISA blood allows us to differentiate primary from secondary process. In primary infection during the first week of class antibodies appear M (IgM - IgM), their number reaches a maximum in the second or third week of the disease. IgM disappear within 2-3 months after the onset of the disease. In some patients, they can be detected and when a chronic recurrent infection. From the second week of the disease begin to appear in the blood of antibodies to HSV - I and HSV class II G (immunoglobulin G - IgG), which remain in the patient's blood for life.

Of great importance is the determination of the degree of avidity (strength of the bond to the antigen, i.e. herpes virus) IgG. During primary infection IgG avidity level is low and only a few months after infection, IgG avidity becomes high. This allows a high degree of confidence to determine whether an acute herpes infection of primary or recurrent chronic process.

Get tested for herpes can be in the laboratories of "Invitro", which have branches in many cities of Russia. Analysis on herpes Invitro held to date and accurately determine the stage of infection.

Galina Romanenko

Herpes simplex is of two types. One is manifested mainly in the form of "cold" on lips, another - in the form of characteristic zoster rash in the genital area. Herpes simplex viruses are very common in nature, once infiltrating into the body, they remain there forever, occasionally causing recurrent herpes infection.

Herpes simplex virus - types and ways of infection

There are two types of herpes simplex virus - HSV-1 and HSV-2. These viruses have much in common, but there are differences. For HSV-1 causes damage to the lips and mucous membranes of the oral cavity, in some cases, extending to the skin, eyes, hearing and so on.

HSV-2 causes genital (genital) herpes, in which the infection spreads to the skin and mucous membranes in the vulva. This complicates the infection can spread infection to the internal reproductive organs, bladder, urethra, rectum.

This "distribution of territories" is not absolute: HSV-1 can cause genital herpes Genital Herpes - Causes And HSV-2 - herpes on the lips Herpes on the lips - problems with immunity .

How are infected with herpes simplex virus? HSV-2 is transmitted mainly through sexual contact, but the PSG-1 - airborne and contact - from the patient's virus through contaminated hands, objects, or a kiss. Always remember that any type of herpes simplex virus is very contagious, especially for children, so the appearance of rashes on the lips do not kiss children, close contact with them and enjoy the same dishes.

The symptoms of the herpes simplex virus - HSV-1

HSV-1 causes cold sores on the lips or herpes labialis. The first introduction into the body of HSV-1 occurs between the ages of 3 and 7 years. This process can occur unnoticed, and herpes infection manifest only later with a decrease in immunity in the form of relapse with rashes on the lips.

After recovery, the virus "hides" in the nerve ganglia, which is inactive. Relapse of infection occur only due to lower immunity and flows easily in the form of herpes sores on the lips.

The symptoms of the herpes simplex virus - HSV-2

Symptoms of herpes infection caused by HSV-2 are similar, but are affected with the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals. Just as in the case of infection by, HPAI-1 primary herpes infection is more severe and lengthy relapses. During the initial infection of the disease may begin with a general malaise and a small rise in temperature. Simultaneously in the genital areas appear redness and swelling, which are accompanied by itching and burning.

After a few hours on the edematous and inflamed surfaces appear grouped vesicles with clear content that quickly becomes cloudy. Then the bubble burst, forming a superficial erosions and ulcers. The pain may increase, patients with difficulty falling asleep, depressed Depression - a little more than a bad mood . Approximately two weeks later, all primary manifestations are like herpes, without leaving any consequences.

Repeated relapses occur against a background of reduced immunity, milder and less durable. Relapse may vary from once a few years, to monthly.

Diagnosis of herpes simplex

Herpes simplex virus causes disease with typical manifestations, however, accurate diagnosis by means of laboratory tests is of great value.

Laboratory diagnosis of herpes simplex virus should include a combination of at least two methods. The diagnosis of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 supported by the following two types of analyzes:

• PCR (polymerase chain reaction), which is detected using the DNA of the pathogen virus - HSV-1 and HSV-2 in smears or scrapings from lesions;
• ELISA (enzyme immunoassay) - are identified in the blood of antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV 2, the number and membership of a particular class of immunoglobulins.

How to distinguish a primary herpes recurrence of a chronic infection?

To distinguish primary from recurrent herpes is especially important during pregnancy - is a primary herpes causes severe fetal abnormalities. This can be done using the ELISA blood test, which allows to differentiate primary from secondary process. During the initial 4-7 days after infection of the disease appear in the blood of antibodies of class M (IgM - IgM, herpes simplex virus igm), their number is maximized to a second - third week. IgM disappear within 2-3 months after the onset of the disease. In some patients, they can be detected and when a chronic recurrent infection. From the second week of the disease begin to appear in the blood of antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV-2 class G (immunoglobulin G - IgG), which remain in the patient's blood for life.

Of great importance is the determination of the degree of avidity (strength of the bond to the antigen, i.e. herpes virus) IgG. During primary infection IgG avidity level is low and only a few months after infection, IgG avidity becomes high. This allows a high degree of confidence to determine whether primary or recurrent herpes.

Galina Romanenko