Herpes Simplex 2 Antibodies Igm Elisa Blood

This test is used to find out the Herpes Simplex 2 Antibodies-IgM in the blood.

What is Herpes Simplex Virus and Herpes Simplex 2 Antibodies:

Herpes Simplex Virus is a virus that causes contagious sores around the mouth or the genitals (reproduction organs). The Herpes Simplex Virus is categorized into 2 types. They are Herpes Simplex virus Type-1 HSV-1 and Herpes Simplex Virus type-2 HSV-2. HSV-1 is transmitted by oral-to-oral contact and causes sores or herpes around and in the mouth region. HSV-2 is sexually transmitted and causes infection in the genital or anal area. Both HSV-1 & HSV-2 are lifelong infections.

Herpes Simplex 2 Antibodies are the antibodies produced by the immune system to fight the herpes simplex 2 virus.

Antibodies are the protective proteins produced by the immune system and also known as immunoglobulins. Antibodies are produced when any foreign substance or virus or bacteria enters into the body. These foreign substances are known as antigens. Antibodies recognize and attach to the antigens in order to remove them from the body. There are five (5) subtypes of antibodies and they are IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, IgE.

IgG provides long-term protection as it presents in the circulation for long period after the presence of an antigen. IgM enhances the ingestion of cells by phagocytosis. IgA is also the first defense for intestine, lungs, and nose. They bind antigens to the microbes before they invade tissues and keeps antigens in secretion and when secretion is expelled, antigens are also expelled. IgD helps in the induction of antibody production and presents on the surface of B-cells. IgE binds to the basophils and mast cells.

Why This test Is Performed:

This test is performed to check the presence of Herpes Simplex 2 Antibodies IgM in the blood. The doctor may ask you to undergo this test if you are suffering from symptoms such as fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, genital or anal blisters or open sores (ulcers). If you are experiencing a tingling or shooting pain in the hips, buttocks, and legs, then the doctor may recommend this test. This test helps for diagnosis the active HSV-2 infection.

If you are on the treatment for Herpes Simplex Virus HSV-2 then the doctor may ask you to perform this test to evaluate and to check the effectiveness of the treatment and Herpes Simplex 2 Antibodies IgM levels in the blood. Mostly, this test is done along with other tests to confirm the diagnosis.

How Often This Test Should Be Performed:

If you have been diagnosed with HSV-2, your doctor may advise you to get this test done once in 2 years based on your clinical condition. If you are a healthy individual above the age of 35, your doctor may advise you to undergo this test either on a yearly basis or every other year.

Precautions:

Some medications may change the test results and hence you are advised to inform all your current medications to the doctor prior to the test.

If the test results are negative it may indicate that there are no Herpes Simplex 2 Antibodies IgM in the blood and no infection of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-2 HSV-2. The negative results do not rule out the possibility of the infection and hence retesting is recommended after 8-14 days.

In case the test results are positive it may indicate that there are Herpes Simplex 2 Antibodies IgM in the blood and an indicator of active infection of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-2 HSV-2.

Based on the test results, your doctor may advise appropriate medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, or further diagnostic tests.