Herpes is a disease that is the result of infection of the body with a special virus that can affect the mucous membranes throughout the body, and in severe cases, other tissues and organs of a person. About 85% of the world's population are carriers of this disease, which, at the slightest opportunity, is taken again and again to attack an infected victim.
In total, nine varieties of infection have been found at the moment, and each of them can affect a person. Blood tests for the herpes virus can help in determining the exact diagnosis.
Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
It is customary to distinguish two types of the disease - HSV-1 and HSV-2. These are very large viruses and both have similar characteristics.
HSV type 1 causes lesions in the form of blisters on the lips and areas around them. As a rule, the infection is transmitted through close contact with the carrier of the disease or contact with the surface that he touched (for example, drinking from the same mug). It should be noted that the virus is active only at the moment when a person hasulcers are present. Depending on the area of contact, herpes can also enter and spread to the genitals.
The virus of this type in most cases is quite harmless compared to its "relatives", and in addition to itching, burning and aesthetic discomfort does not bring any particular trouble. A blood test for herpes in this form is usually not done unless an accurate diagnosis is required. In some cases, HSV-1 can develop into herpetic keratitis, HSV encephalitis, and other complications.
HSV-2 is usually transmitted sexually. It is found in the anus, various parts of the digestive tract and on the genitals. With various contacts, it can get into the mouth. In addition, a child can be infected with HSV-2 in utero or at birth by an infected mother. Due to the infant's underdeveloped immune system, the infection sometimes becomes very severe and sometimes leads to death.
Whether genital herpes is initially caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2, the end result is the same: recurring outbreaks that can include fever, swollen lymph nodes, painful urination and burning, itchy blisters, which usually begin to itch and heal within a few weeks.
HSV infections remain in the body for life. Although the latency state is reached fairly quickly, stress and weakening of the immune system causes an instant relapse, in which the carrier can infect others.of people. The virus manifests itself in lesions on the skin, but can also be present in various body fluids, including saliva and vaginal secretions.
When an infection is suspected, it is important to perform the appropriate blood tests for herpes types 1 and 2 as soon as possible to find out the truth and, if necessary, begin treatment.
Other shapes
The following is a summary of other forms of herpes viruses:
- Varicella-Zoster virus. It causes two main diseases: chickenpox (usually contracted during childhood) and shingles, which is a reactivation of an earlier infection.
- Epstein-Barr virus. Most of the population (90-95%) is infected with it. He usually doesn't show up. In some cases, it is the causative agent of Burkitt's lymphoma, nasopharyngeal cancer, Guillain-Barré syndrome, hairy leukoplakia, and infectious mononucleosis. The virus is spread during kissing or can enter the body through a blood transfusion. Detected by PCR blood test for herpes.
- Cytomegalovirus. Reproduces only in human cells. The infection is transmitted through the blood and sexually, and can also infect a child at the embryonic stage through the mother. Most cases are asymptomatic and therefore remain undiagnosed for life. Detected by antibody tests (IgM and IgG).
- Virus 6. Distributed throughout the world and found in the saliva of most adults (>90%). It infects almost all children under the age of twoyears and remains dormant until later in life, when it can become active. Upper respiratory tract infection, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, and thyroid dysfunction are symptoms of a sudden outbreak of type 6 herpes. A blood test for antibodies will be able to determine the exact cause of the ailment. This virus has two forms: HHV-6A and HHV-6B. The latter causes roseola infantum, a common illness in babies that causes fever, swollen lymph nodes, and upper respiratory tract infections. After an incubation period, the fever subsides, leaving a rash on the trunk and neck that clears up in a few days. In adults, the primary infection is associated with mononucleosis. Patients with HIV have a higher infection rate than the normal population. Like other herpes viruses, HHV-6 remains in the body forever and can be awakened due to immune suppression or simply as a result of the aging process. Its key feature is its ability to evade immune system control, so activation is dangerous for some people, in whom it can cause lifelong fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome. Detected by a blood test for herpes 6 to IgG antibodies of this type.
- Virus 7. Found in the saliva of the adult population (> 75%). Most people get the infection in childhood and it stays with them for the rest of their lives. In some cases, it is also the causative agent of roseola.
- Virus 8. So far little studied, but it has been found that it is the cause of the development of Kaposi's sarcoma and Castleman's disease (damagelymphocytes). It is especially dangerous for AIDS patients, as it is activated with reduced immunity. A blood test for herpes of this variety is determined by PCR.
- Herpes B. This virus is found in monkeys such as macaques, but can also be a human pathogen, transmitted by the bite of a sick animal. In humans, the disease is quite severe, and approximately 75% of cases result in death or serious neurological problems (encephalitis). There is also evidence that the disease can be transmitted from an infected person to another person.
Diagnosis of herpes simplex virus
There are three common ways to detect an infection. At the same time, research methods directly depend on the available laboratory equipment or on the choice of a doctor.
One way is a visual examination by a doctor. This diagnosis must always be confirmed by laboratory testing.
The most accurate and reliable tests are those that are carried out using material samples taken from the affected areas (liquid from bubbles or pieces of tissue). Naturally, they are carried out only if the infection is active.
Finally, blood tests for herpes simplex can detect HSV antibodies, which are detected only two months after infection.
Immunoassay method (ELISA)
The body naturally responds to HSV infection by producing two types of antibodies (blood proteins whose function is tothe fight against viruses and bacteria): IgM and IgG.
Immunoglobulin M is detected immediately, but may disappear at a later date, so IgG is the most popular when testing blood for the herpes virus of the first or second type. It is divided into quantitative and qualitative tests. The first detects antibodies in the blood, and the second will be able to recognize the type of infection.
But in order for the test to give the correct result, it takes time - from several weeks to months, since the virus spreads rather slowly, and, accordingly, the immune response does not occur immediately. Therefore, a person may receive a false negative result if samples are taken too early.
Therefore, it is recommended to take tests no earlier than ten weeks after suspected infection. Otherwise, the laboratory may not detect the presence of antibodies.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test
Can be done on any biomaterial taken from the affected area, on blood or other fluid (such as spinal fluid).
This method recognizes the DNA of the HSV virus and also helps to determine whether the sample is HSV-1 or HSV-2.
The herpes blood test (PCR) is one of the most popular methods for detecting herpes because it is fast, reasonably accurate, and there is less chance of a false positive when performed.
The test can detect herpes even if you don't have any physical symptoms. The doctor will take a samplewhich will be tested in the laboratory to see evidence of the presence of the virus in the body.
Immunofluorescence reaction (RIF)
Easy and quick blood test for herpes. The disadvantage is that it does not give an absolutely accurate result. It is carried out by examining blood or a piece of tissue from the affected areas. Antibodies are added to them, which, when a virus is detected, react with it and begin to glow thanks to special dyes added to the reagent.
Cultural method
Very reliable method with high precision results. Its meaning lies in the fact that the patient takes fluid from the sores on the skin and inoculates in a chicken egg (embryo). Thanks to this technique, it is possible to understand what type of HSV a person is infected with. This study is not very popular, as a lot of time and money are spent on its results.
Test results
Based on them, a course of treatment for the patient is prescribed. Home rapid tests are not recommended because they cannot determine the severity of the condition, which affects the quality of care. Before I talk about deciphering a blood test for herpes, it is worth noting that if you have an active lesion that is somewhat reminiscent of an outbreak (itching, burning, rashes, etc.), the best way to find out the truth is to see your doctor.
Abnormal results that show the presence of HSV are called positive. That is, HSV grows in viral culture,antigens or DNA are found, and antibodies to them are present in the blood.
Samples taken from fresh liquid vials are generally better and more accurate in identifying the virus than other samples.
Remember that if you have a recent infection, it takes about three months before you can figure out what type of HSV it is. Approximately 15-20% of people never have an active outbreak of the herpes simplex virus. A blood test showing normal results is called negative. This means that HSV does not grow in the viral culture, antigens or their DNA are not found, and there are no antibodies to herpes in the blood.
A negative test result doesn't mean you don't have a herpes infection. If the first test is normal, but you have symptoms of infection, you should be retested.
Why should you force your partner to take the test?
There are many good reasons to test your partner for herpes:
- You may have already passed the virus to him. This is very unfortunate and the person will certainly be upset, but this must be done in order to avoid further spread of the infection.
- He could infect you with HSV-2 through intercourse. Most people get herpes from a partner who may not even know they have it or hide it. A blood test for herpes type 2 can be done at any medical facility.
Drugs for the treatment of herpes infection
HSV uses acyclic nucleoside analogs that are used to treat infected areas. The fact that the drugs are only activated in herpes-infected cells means they have few side effects.
If a blood test for herpes type 1, as well as its "colleague", sexually transmitted, turned out to be positive, then the most famous way to fight is Acyclovir. There are other approved drugs in the same group, including Famciclovir and Valaciclovir. It should be noted that these drugs act against replicating HSV (they are incorporated into the DNA as it is copied) and therefore are not effective against the latent virus.
For herpes Zoster, drink plenty of fluids and cover the blisters with brilliant green or antiviral drugs.
Unlike herpes simplex, there are no drugs available to treat Epstein-Barr virus. A vaccine is currently being developed.
Cytomegalovirus uses Ganciclovir, which inhibits the replication of human herpes viruses and is commonly used to treat retinitis. "Acyclovir" in this case is not effective. A vaccine is being developed, but the best way to avoid contracting the virus is to limit sexual contact with an infected partner.
Ganciclovir and Aciclovir are also effective for HSV-6.
Virus Bsensitive to both drugs described above, which are recommended for therapy. Their effectiveness is currently unknown.
