How does HSV-1 affect the tongue. What are the symptoms of herpes on the tongue. How is HSV-1 transmitted to the tongue. What treatments are available for HSV-1 on the tongue. How can you prevent HSV-1 infections on the tongue.

Understanding HSV-1 and Its Impact on the Tongue

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a common viral infection that primarily affects the mouth and surrounding areas. While it’s most commonly associated with cold sores on the lips, HSV-1 can also cause painful sores and blisters on the tongue. Understanding this condition is crucial for proper identification, treatment, and prevention.

HSV-1 is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects. When the virus affects the tongue, it can cause significant discomfort and interfere with daily activities such as eating, drinking, and speaking.

The Difference Between HSV-1 and HSV-2

While both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause herpes infections, they typically affect different areas of the body:

• HSV-1: Primarily causes oral herpes, including infections on the tongue
• HSV-2: Typically associated with genital herpes

However, it’s important to note that HSV-2 can also cause oral infections, including on the tongue, through certain sexual activities without proper protection.

Identifying HSV-1 Symptoms on the Tongue

Recognizing the symptoms of HSV-1 on the tongue is crucial for early detection and treatment. The infection typically progresses through several stages:

1. Initial discomfort: Redness, swelling, itchiness, or pain in a specific area of the tongue
2. Blister formation: White or yellowish ulcers appear on the affected area
3. Spreading: Ulcers may also develop on the throat, roof of the mouth, and inside the cheeks
4. Healing: Sores gradually heal and disappear over time

Can HSV-1 on the tongue be accompanied by other symptoms? Yes, individuals with a recent HSV-1 infection may also experience flu-like symptoms, including:

• Fever
• Body aches
• Swollen lymph nodes

Transmission and Spread of HSV-1 to the Tongue

HSV-1 is highly contagious and can spread through various means. Understanding how the virus is transmitted is essential for prevention.

Common Transmission Routes

HSV-1 can spread to the tongue through:

• Direct contact with infected saliva or skin
• Kissing someone with an active cold sore
• Sharing personal items like utensils, lipstick, or shaving equipment with an infected person

Is it possible to contract HSV-2 on the tongue? Yes, although less common, HSV-2 can cause oral infections, including on the tongue, through:

• Oral sex without proper protection
• Contact with infected genital fluids
• Oral-anal contact with an infected area

Diagnosing HSV-1 Infections on the Tongue

Accurate diagnosis of HSV-1 on the tongue is crucial for proper treatment and management. Healthcare providers use several methods to confirm the presence of the virus:

Visual Examination

In many cases, a doctor can diagnose HSV-1 on the tongue through a visual inspection of the sores. They may also examine other parts of the mouth and body for additional symptoms.

Herpes Culture Test

How is a herpes culture test performed? A healthcare provider will:

1. Use a cotton swab to collect fluid from an active sore
2. Send the sample to a laboratory for analysis
3. Test for the presence of HSV-1 or HSV-2 viral RNA

Blood Test

When no active sores are present, a blood test may be recommended to detect HSV-1 antibodies. This test can confirm if a person has been exposed to the virus, even if they’re not currently experiencing symptoms.

Treatment Options for HSV-1 on the Tongue

While there’s no cure for HSV-1, several treatment options can help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

Antiviral Medications

Prescription antiviral drugs are the most effective treatment for HSV-1 infections. Common medications include:

• Acyclovir
• Valacyclovir
• Famciclovir

These medications can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, as well as decrease the risk of transmission.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

To alleviate pain and discomfort associated with HSV-1 sores on the tongue, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be helpful.

Topical Treatments

Are there topical treatments for HSV-1 on the tongue? Yes, some options include:

• Lidocaine gel or spray for numbing the affected area
• Benzyl alcohol to help dry out the sores
• Docosanol cream to reduce healing time

Always consult with a healthcare provider before using any topical treatments on tongue sores.

Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies

In addition to medical treatments, certain lifestyle changes and home remedies can help manage HSV-1 symptoms on the tongue:

• Maintain good oral hygiene
• Avoid trigger foods like citrus fruits, spicy dishes, or salty snacks
• Apply ice or cold compresses to soothe the affected area
• Rinse with salt water or baking soda solution to promote healing
• Stay hydrated and consume soft, cool foods during outbreaks

Can dietary supplements help manage HSV-1 symptoms? Some studies suggest that certain supplements may support immune function and potentially reduce outbreak frequency:

• Lysine
• Zinc
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D

However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

Preventing HSV-1 Infections on the Tongue

While it’s not always possible to prevent HSV-1 infections, several measures can reduce the risk of transmission and outbreaks:

Avoiding Transmission

• Avoid kissing or engaging in oral sexual activities during active outbreaks
• Don’t share personal items like utensils, towels, or lip products
• Practice good hand hygiene, especially after touching affected areas
• Use barrier methods during sexual activities

Managing Triggers

Identifying and avoiding triggers can help prevent HSV-1 outbreaks on the tongue. Common triggers include:

• Stress
• Lack of sleep
• Poor diet
• Weakened immune system
• Hormonal changes
• Excessive sun exposure

Suppressive Therapy

For individuals with frequent outbreaks, healthcare providers may recommend suppressive therapy. This involves taking antiviral medications daily to reduce the frequency and severity of HSV-1 recurrences.

Living with HSV-1: Long-Term Management and Considerations

Living with HSV-1 on the tongue requires ongoing management and awareness. Here are some important considerations for long-term care:

Regular Check-ups

Scheduling regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help monitor the condition and adjust treatment plans as needed. These visits also provide an opportunity to discuss any concerns or new symptoms.

Emotional Well-being

Dealing with recurrent HSV-1 outbreaks can be emotionally challenging. It’s important to:

• Seek support from friends, family, or support groups
• Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
• Consider counseling if the condition significantly impacts mental health

Disclosure to Partners

How should you approach discussing HSV-1 with sexual partners? Open communication is key:

• Choose a comfortable, private setting for the conversation
• Provide accurate information about transmission risks and prevention methods
• Be prepared to answer questions and address concerns
• Respect your partner’s right to make informed decisions about sexual activity

Staying Informed

Keeping up-to-date with the latest research and treatment options for HSV-1 can help individuals make informed decisions about their health. Reliable sources for information include:

• Healthcare providers
• Reputable medical websites
• Scientific journals
• Support groups and organizations dedicated to herpes education

By staying informed and proactive in managing HSV-1 on the tongue, individuals can minimize the impact of the condition on their daily lives and overall well-being.

How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) most commonly causes cold sores while HSV-2 is associated with genital herpes. But, it’s also possible to contract an HSV-2 infection in the mouth from sex without a condom or other barrier method.

Herpes simplex is a type of virus known to affect both the mouth and the genitals.

There are two distinct types of virus that can cause herpes on the tongue:

• Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). HSV-1 is the type that most commonly causes cold sores.
• Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-2 is commonly associated with genital herpes.

HSV-1 is generally the one that causes herpes on the tongue. But it’s also possible to contract an HSV-2 infection in the mouth from sex without a condom or other barrier method.

There’s currently no cure for either HSV virus, but both can be treated and prevented.

Once a virus gets into your body, it uses proteins on its surface to enter a host cell.

Inside of the host cell, the virus makes additional copies of itself. These new viruses eventually leave the host cell, going on to infect new cells.

Many people who contract HSV-1 or HSV-2 are asymptomatic. This means that they have no symptoms and may not know that they have the virus.

In addition to sores and lesions, people with a recent infection may also experience flu-like symptoms. These can include:

• fever
• body aches
• swollen lymph nodes

HSV-1 and HSV-2 can lie dormant in your nerve cells (neurons). When the virus is dormant, you can go for months or years without showing any symptoms.

Sometimes, the virus can reactivate. Although some causes of reactivation are unclear, it can be due to factors such as:

• stress
• injury
• prolonged exposure to sunlight

During reactivation, you’ll often experience symptoms.

How HSV-1 is spread

In this case, HSV-1 attaches to the cells in and around your mouth. The virus then replicates and spreads to surrounding cells. Someone with an active HSV-1 infection may have symptoms like cold sores.

The herpes simplex virus, especially HSV-1, can spread through contact with the skin or saliva of someone who carries the virus or who has an active herpes infection, like a cold sore.

For example, kissing someone who has an infected cold sore in their mouth can spread the HSV-1 virus easily.

Sharing items that a person with the infection has used, such as lipstick, utensils, or shaving equipment, can put you at risk for contracting the virus and getting symptoms on your tongue.

How HSV-2 is spread

HSV-2 can also cause herpes symptoms on the tongue.

HSV-2 is mainly spread through sex without a condom or other barrier method. Therefore, you won’t necessarily get it just by touching or sharing items with someone who has the infection.

Here are some possible ways HSV-2 can be transmitted to your mouth or tongue:

• Giving or receiving oral sex without a barrier method with someone who has an infected herpes sore on or around their genitals. It can spread especially easily if the sore is producing pus or discharge.
• Making oral contact with sexual body fluids like semen or vaginal discharge with someone who carries the virus or who has an active infection.
• Making contact between the mouth and anus when the anus skin has an open, infected sore on it.

Herpes symptoms on your tongue usually come in the form of red, swollen, sensitive blisters. The blisters start with mild discomfort and progress to increasingly painful sores.

Here are the stages of a herpes infection that you can typically expect from tongue herpes:

1. You’ll notice redness, swelling, itchiness, or pain in a specific area of your tongue. This is likely where the sore will appear.
2. On the tongue, you may see a white substance that turns into yellowish ulcers.
3. Ulcers also might appear on your throat, the roof of your mouth, and inside your cheeks.

Your doctor will most likely be able to identify and diagnose an HSV-1 infection by looking at sores on your tongue or mouth.

Share on PinterestHerpes blisters on the tongue. Photo Credit: CDC/ Robert E. Sumpter, 1967.

This is part of a physical exam in which your doctor may also check the rest of your body for any other symptoms. This can also help rule out other causes like HSV-2.

Your doctor can use a cotton swab to collect fluid from a sore and send it to a lab to test for the presence of HSV-1 virus RNA. This is called a herpes culture. This test can also diagnose HSV-2 if that’s the actual cause.

Your doctor may suggest a blood test if you don’t have open, active sores on your tongue.

An HSV-1 blood test involves taking a small sample of your blood and sending it to a lab to check it for antibodies. Your immune system creates these antibodies to fight off HSV-1 viral infections.

There’s no cure for the HSV-1 virus. Instead, you can manage symptoms, such as tongue sores, and reduce the chance of frequent outbreaks.

Sores will sometimes just go away on their own — no treatment needed.

But if you have severe or frequent outbreaks, your doctor may prescribe one of the following antiviral treatments as a pill, topical cream, or ointment:

• valacyclovir (Valtrex)
• famciclovir
• acyclovir (Zovirax)

You may also get one of these medications as an injection if your symptoms are severe. Antiviral medications help reduce the chance you’ll transmit the virus to others.

Here’s what you can do to prevent exposure to the herpes virus:

• Don’t make direct physical contact with others, particularly if they have an active infection.
• Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds at a time. If the virus is present on your hands, this will prevent it from passing to other parts of your body or to other people.
• If any clothes, blankets, or sheets have made contact with infected sores, wash them in hot water as soon as possible.
• Don’t share items that can make contact with people’s skin or mouths, such as:
  • lip products
  • makeup
  • towels
  • cups
  • utensils
  • clothes
• Use a cotton swab to put antiviral medication on open, infected sores so that the virus doesn’t pass to your hands.
• Don’t have oral, anal, or genital sex during an outbreak, including a tongue herpes outbreak.
• Use condoms or other protective barriers, such as dental dams, whenever you have sex.

See your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms along with herpes-like blisters or sores in your mouth:

• pain or discomfort in your mouth or tongue that gets increasingly worse over time, especially after a week or longer
• flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue or fever
• unusually cloudy or discolored discharge that comes out of your genitals

Tongue herpes is usually not a cause for concern. Sores will often go away on their own and only come back occasionally during outbreaks.

But herpes can be spread easily through close contact, particularly if you have an active infection. Because of this, you’ll need to take precautions to make sure you don’t pass the infection to others.

Taking these same precautions can help prevent you from contracting the infection in the first place, too.

How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) most commonly causes cold sores while HSV-2 is associated with genital herpes. But, it’s also possible to contract an HSV-2 infection in the mouth from sex without a condom or other barrier method.

Herpes simplex is a type of virus known to affect both the mouth and the genitals.

There are two distinct types of virus that can cause herpes on the tongue:

• Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). HSV-1 is the type that most commonly causes cold sores.
• Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-2 is commonly associated with genital herpes.

HSV-1 is generally the one that causes herpes on the tongue. But it’s also possible to contract an HSV-2 infection in the mouth from sex without a condom or other barrier method.

There’s currently no cure for either HSV virus, but both can be treated and prevented.

Once a virus gets into your body, it uses proteins on its surface to enter a host cell.

Inside of the host cell, the virus makes additional copies of itself. These new viruses eventually leave the host cell, going on to infect new cells.

Many people who contract HSV-1 or HSV-2 are asymptomatic. This means that they have no symptoms and may not know that they have the virus.

In addition to sores and lesions, people with a recent infection may also experience flu-like symptoms. These can include:

• fever
• body aches
• swollen lymph nodes

HSV-1 and HSV-2 can lie dormant in your nerve cells (neurons). When the virus is dormant, you can go for months or years without showing any symptoms.

Sometimes, the virus can reactivate. Although some causes of reactivation are unclear, it can be due to factors such as:

• stress
• injury
• prolonged exposure to sunlight

During reactivation, you’ll often experience symptoms.

How HSV-1 is spread

In this case, HSV-1 attaches to the cells in and around your mouth. The virus then replicates and spreads to surrounding cells. Someone with an active HSV-1 infection may have symptoms like cold sores.

The herpes simplex virus, especially HSV-1, can spread through contact with the skin or saliva of someone who carries the virus or who has an active herpes infection, like a cold sore.

For example, kissing someone who has an infected cold sore in their mouth can spread the HSV-1 virus easily.

Sharing items that a person with the infection has used, such as lipstick, utensils, or shaving equipment, can put you at risk for contracting the virus and getting symptoms on your tongue.

How HSV-2 is spread

HSV-2 can also cause herpes symptoms on the tongue.

HSV-2 is mainly spread through sex without a condom or other barrier method. Therefore, you won’t necessarily get it just by touching or sharing items with someone who has the infection.

Here are some possible ways HSV-2 can be transmitted to your mouth or tongue:

• Giving or receiving oral sex without a barrier method with someone who has an infected herpes sore on or around their genitals. It can spread especially easily if the sore is producing pus or discharge.
• Making oral contact with sexual body fluids like semen or vaginal discharge with someone who carries the virus or who has an active infection.
• Making contact between the mouth and anus when the anus skin has an open, infected sore on it.

Herpes symptoms on your tongue usually come in the form of red, swollen, sensitive blisters. The blisters start with mild discomfort and progress to increasingly painful sores.

Here are the stages of a herpes infection that you can typically expect from tongue herpes:

1. You’ll notice redness, swelling, itchiness, or pain in a specific area of your tongue. This is likely where the sore will appear.
2. On the tongue, you may see a white substance that turns into yellowish ulcers.
3. Ulcers also might appear on your throat, the roof of your mouth, and inside your cheeks.

Your doctor will most likely be able to identify and diagnose an HSV-1 infection by looking at sores on your tongue or mouth.

Share on PinterestHerpes blisters on the tongue. Photo Credit: CDC/ Robert E. Sumpter, 1967.

This is part of a physical exam in which your doctor may also check the rest of your body for any other symptoms. This can also help rule out other causes like HSV-2.

Your doctor can use a cotton swab to collect fluid from a sore and send it to a lab to test for the presence of HSV-1 virus RNA. This is called a herpes culture. This test can also diagnose HSV-2 if that’s the actual cause.

Your doctor may suggest a blood test if you don’t have open, active sores on your tongue.

An HSV-1 blood test involves taking a small sample of your blood and sending it to a lab to check it for antibodies. Your immune system creates these antibodies to fight off HSV-1 viral infections.

There’s no cure for the HSV-1 virus. Instead, you can manage symptoms, such as tongue sores, and reduce the chance of frequent outbreaks.

Sores will sometimes just go away on their own — no treatment needed.

But if you have severe or frequent outbreaks, your doctor may prescribe one of the following antiviral treatments as a pill, topical cream, or ointment:

• valacyclovir (Valtrex)
• famciclovir
• acyclovir (Zovirax)

You may also get one of these medications as an injection if your symptoms are severe. Antiviral medications help reduce the chance you’ll transmit the virus to others.

Here’s what you can do to prevent exposure to the herpes virus:

• Don’t make direct physical contact with others, particularly if they have an active infection.
• Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds at a time. If the virus is present on your hands, this will prevent it from passing to other parts of your body or to other people.
• If any clothes, blankets, or sheets have made contact with infected sores, wash them in hot water as soon as possible.
• Don’t share items that can make contact with people’s skin or mouths, such as:
  • lip products
  • makeup
  • towels
  • cups
  • utensils
  • clothes
• Use a cotton swab to put antiviral medication on open, infected sores so that the virus doesn’t pass to your hands.
• Don’t have oral, anal, or genital sex during an outbreak, including a tongue herpes outbreak.
• Use condoms or other protective barriers, such as dental dams, whenever you have sex.

See your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms along with herpes-like blisters or sores in your mouth:

• pain or discomfort in your mouth or tongue that gets increasingly worse over time, especially after a week or longer
• flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue or fever
• unusually cloudy or discolored discharge that comes out of your genitals

Tongue herpes is usually not a cause for concern. Sores will often go away on their own and only come back occasionally during outbreaks.

But herpes can be spread easily through close contact, particularly if you have an active infection. Because of this, you’ll need to take precautions to make sure you don’t pass the infection to others.

Taking these same precautions can help prevent you from contracting the infection in the first place, too.

Herpes Simplex Virus 1/2, DNA [real-time PCR]

real-time reaction (RT-PCR) determines the genetic material (DNA) of the herpes simplex virus.

Synonyms Russian

Herpes virus, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2), herpes detection by DNA.

Synonyms English

Herpes Simplex Virus, Type 1 and Type 2, HSV-1 or HSV-2 IgM or IgG, HSV-1, HSV-2, HHV1, HHV2.

Test method

Real-time polymerase chain reaction.

What biomaterial can be used for research?

Throat swab (oropharynx), prostate secretion, first portion of morning urine, rectal scraping, saliva, scraping from erosive and ulcerative elements, urogenital scraping, ejaculate, venous, capillary blood, cerebrospinal fluid.

General information about the study

PCR can detect even a small amount of virus particles in biological material. It allows you to identify herpes viruses, regardless of the duration of infection, even at a time when antibodies have not yet formed.

The most common are the 1st and 2nd types of herpes. Both are contagious and contribute to the appearance of small bubbles (vesicles) on the mucous membranes, which burst, forming open sores. In HSV-1, blisters appear around the mouth and in the oral cavity, while HSV-2 usually affects areas in the genital area.

Herpes simplex virus can be transmitted through skin contact when there are vesicles on the skin, and sometimes when there are no visible lesions on the skin. HSV-2 is often referred to as a sexually transmitted disease, but HSV-1 herpes infection can also occur, for example, through oral sex. According to WHO, from 50% to 80% of the adult population of developed countries is infected with herpes type 1 and about 20% with type 2. Because type 2 symptoms are subtle, 90% of those infected with it may be unaware of their infection.

In the case of a primary infection, painful blisters usually develop at the infection site after two weeks, which usually disappear after four weeks. They appear on the genitals, around the anus, on the buttocks or on the thighs, after which they can burst. You may also experience flu-like symptoms, such as chills and a sore throat.

However, herpes vesicles do not always form. Sometimes the manifestations of the disease are so mild that they go unnoticed or are mistaken for something else, such as insect bites or allergies. After the infection enters the body and spreads, the herpes virus is in a latent form. With stress or other diseases that lead to a decrease in immunity, it can be activated again. In most cases, herpes simplex is not dangerous to health, but it can cause serious illnesses: neonatal herpes (if a child becomes infected during childbirth from a mother infected with genital herpes) and encephalitis. They can lead to serious incurable neurological diseases and even death. The following factors increase the risk of contracting herpes:

• diseases that suppress the immune system (e.g. HIV/AIDS),
• organ transplant.

Currently, there is no cure for herpes, however, there are antiviral drugs that suppress its spread, as well as shorten the duration of the acute phase of a viral infection and alleviate the symptoms of the disease.

What is research used for?

• To detect herpes virus infection of the genital organs in men and women and monitor its treatment.
• To test a woman for herpes before and during pregnancy (if there is a risk of infection).

When is the test ordered?

• If necessary, confirm or deny the fact of genital herpes infection.

What do the results mean?

Reference values: negative.

Positive result

• The body is affected by the virus. The result is indicated in crosses depending on the amount of genetic material identified during the study.

Negative

• Most often, the absence of infection of the genital organs with the herpes virus.

What can influence the result?

• Antiviral therapy can reduce the amount of virus in epithelial cells, but due to the high sensitivity of the PCR method, this rarely leads to false negative results.
• Errors at the sampling stage, when a sufficient number of virus-infected cells are not included in the sample for analysis, can lead to false negative results.

Important Notes

• Herpes is most dangerous for newborns who contracted it from their mother and for immunocompromised patients.
• Herpes increases the risk of HIV infection. Moreover, it can make HIV-infected patients even more contagious by increasing the amount of immunodeficiency virus in their blood.
• Herpes simplex virus in combination with papillomavirus increases the risk of developing cervical cancer.

Also recommended

• Herpes Simplex Virus 1/2, IgM
• Herpes Simplex Virus 1/2, IgG, titer
• Herpes Simplex Virus 1/2, DNA [real-time PCR]
• Herpes Simplex Virus 1/2 immunofluorescence
• Human Papillomavirus of high carcinogenic risk (16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59), DNA genotyping [real-time PCR]

Who orders the examination?

Gynecologist, urologist, dermatologist, infectious disease specialist, pediatrician.

Herpes simplex virus I, II types (H simplex 1/2, Herpes I/II, HSV 1 and 2) (IgG class antibodies), (semi-quantitative)

Description
Preparation

Most often, the first and second type of virus occurs. They are contagious and contribute to the formation of small bubbles on the mucous membranes that burst, forming open wounds. In HSV-1, vesicles appear mainly around the mouth and in the oral cavity, while HSV-2 usually affects areas in the genital area.
The herpes simplex virus can be transmitted through skin contact, contact with blisters, and sometimes even in the absence of visible lesions.
Sexually transmitted HSV-2 is more common, however, infection with herpes HSV-1 can also occur, for example, during oral sex. According to WHO, from 50% to 80% of the adult population of developed countries is infected with herpes of the first type and about 20% of herpes of the second type. Since the symptoms are often subtle, 90% may not even be aware of their infection.
In the case of primary infection, painful blisters usually form at the site of infection after two weeks, which usually disappear after four weeks. They appear on the genitals, around the anus, on the buttocks or on the thighs, after which they can burst. You may also have flu-like symptoms, such as chills and sore throat.
However, vesicles with herpes are not always formed. Sometimes the manifestations of the disease are so mild that they go unnoticed or are mistaken for something else, such as insect bites or allergies. After entering the body and spreading, the herpes virus is in a latent form. With stress or other diseases that lead to a decrease in immunity, it can be activated again. In most cases, herpes simplex is not dangerous to health, but it can cause serious illnesses: neonatal herpes (if a child becomes infected during childbirth from a mother infected with genital herpes) and encephalitis. They can lead to serious incurable neurological diseases and even death.

The following factors increase the risk of contracting herpes:

• diseases that suppress the immune system (for example, HIV/AIDS),
• organ transplant.

There are antiviral drugs that suppress the spread of herpes, as well as shorten the duration of the acute phase of a viral infection and alleviate the symptoms of the disease.

Antibodies are produced to fight infection. The formation of IgG to the herpes simplex virus begins a few days after the appearance of IgM. The concentration of IgG in the blood first increases for several weeks, then falls, and then stabilizes. With repeated infection with herpes, it increases much faster – already in the first days of infection. After a disease, small amounts of IgG remain in a person until the end of life, which, however, does not provide one hundred percent protection against re-infection.

What is analysis used for?

• As an auxiliary study to confirm the diagnosis with symptoms of herpetic lesions (ulcers, vesicles on the mucous membranes) or neonatal herpes.
• To screen certain groups of people, such as those who are sexually active, potential recipients infected with the AIDS virus, or those who have previously been exposed to HSV infection.

When is the test ordered?

• When examining persons who have been in contact with patients with HSV.
• During preparation for pregnancy and in monitoring it.

What do the results mean?

Reference values ​​
S/CO ratio (signal/cutoff): 0 – 0.9.
A positive result indicates the presence of IgG antibodies to HSV-1 or HSV-2, indicating either an active or past herpes virus infection.

A negative result indicates a low probability of an acute herpes virus infection, and also that the body has not previously come into contact with the herpes simplex virus. However, immediately after infection, when a sufficient amount of antibodies has not yet been developed, the result may be false negative.