Immune response to HSV
The immune response in primary HSV infections is characterized by the production of IgM and IgG antibodies which are already detectable within few days after onset of desease.. Reactivations are frequently identified by the determination of HSV-specific distinct IgG increases in paired sera.

Diagnosis
The presence of HSV-1 or HSV-2 IgM antibodies indicates an active or recent infection. Seroconversion of HSV IgG antibodies also point to a primary infection. Significant IgG titer increases between acute and convalescent samples indicate an active, recent or recurent infection. HSV-1 or HSV-2 IgG antibodies indicate a previous infection. Negative HSV antibody results mean that a recent or previous HSV exposure is unlikely.
To date, serological diagnosis of HSV infections is performed with various, species-specific and cross-reactive ELISAs for the detection of HSV antibody isotypes.

Indications for HSV serology employing the medac HSV tests:
• Determination of the immune status
• Discrimination between early phases of infection and recurrence
• Confirmation of a suspected infection with HSV-1 or HSV-2
e.g. in couples in which one has genital herpes and the other apparently does not
e.g. in individuals with genital complaints suggestive of herpes who never had a positive confirmatory test result
e.g. as part of work-up for STDs
• Determination of a woman’s risk for passing HSV to the child during delivery (prenatal investigation)

The following test systems are available:
• HSV-1/2-IgM-ELA Test PKS medac (qualitative, µ-capture method)
• HSV-1/2-IgG-ELISA PKS medac (quantitative, also for use in serum/CSF pairs))
• HSV-2-IgG-ELISA PKS medac (qualitative)


For test procedure and test performance please refer to the corresponding Directions for use.