Positive test for herpes. When herpes igg is positive - what does it mean? How to decipher the results of a herpes test
Antibodies to herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 IgG, HSV IgG quantitative- allows you to determine the presence of class G antibodies to herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, which indicates infection with herpes simplex virus types 1 or 2.
An analysis for IgG antibodies in a quantitative format allows for dynamic monitoring and assessment of the state of post-infectious immunity to the herpes simplex virus.
There are two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV), or cold sores: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Both forms of the virus are highly contagious. The main route of transmission of herpes: airborne, contact, sexual, intrauterine, blood transfusion, during organ transplantation.
HSV-1 (Herpes Simplex virus I)- transmitted through oral contact and often causes a “cold” on the lips (orolabial herpes).
Typical symptoms of HSV-1 include:
- a rash on the lips and mucous membrane of the mouth of a group of crowded small bubbles (vesicles) filled with transparent contents;
- inflammation, swelling of the skin and mucous membranes in the area of the rash.
HSV-2 (genital herpes)- is one of the sexually transmitted infections that can cause genital herpes. A common property of these viruses is their constant presence in the human body from the moment of infection. The virus can be in a “dormant” or active state and does not leave the body even under the influence of medications.
The manifest manifestation of any herpes infection indicates a decrease in immunity. The genital herpes virus Herpes simplex type 2 primarily affects the integumentary tissue (epithelium) of the cervix in women and the penis in men, causing pain, itching, and the appearance of transparent blisters (vesicles) in place of which erosions/ulcers form. However, with oral contact, damage to the covering tissue of the lips and oral cavity is possible. After 1–3 weeks the disease seems to go away. But the virus penetrates the nerve fibers and continues to exist, hiding in the sacral part of the spinal cord. In many patients, genital herpes causes relapses of the disease. They occur with varying frequencies - from once a month to once every few years. They are provoked by other diseases, troubles, and even simply overheating in the sun.
In pregnant women, the virus can cross the placenta into the fetus and cause birth defects. Herpes can also cause spontaneous abortion or premature birth. But the danger of infection of the fetus is especially likely during childbirth, when passing through the cervix and vagina during primary or recurrent genital infection in the mother. Such infection increases the mortality rate of newborns or the development of severe brain or eye damage by 50%. Moreover, a certain risk of infection of the fetus exists even in cases where the mother does not have any symptoms of genital herpes at the time of birth. A child can become infected after birth if the mother or father has lesions in the mouth, or receive the virus through breast milk. HSV-2 is associated with cervical and vaginal cancer and increases susceptibility to HIV infection, which causes AIDS!
Antibodies for HSV
IgG antibodies begin to be produced 10–14 days after infection and remain in the blood for life, which provides a person with immunity from re-infection.
Class G antibodies are produced during chronic infection with herpes simplex virus type 1 or 2. The detection of a fourfold increase in the titers of specific IgG immunoglobulins in paired blood sera obtained from the patient with an interval of 10–12 days has diagnostic significance for primary infection with the herpes virus. Recurrent herpes usually occurs against the background of high levels of IgG, indicating constant antigenic stimulation of the body.
HSV and TORCH
HSV infection is part of the group of TORCH infections (the name is formed by the initial letters in the Latin names - Toxoplasma, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes), which are considered potentially dangerous for the development of a child. Ideally, a woman should consult a doctor and undergo laboratory testing for TORCH infection 2–3 months before a planned pregnancy, since in this case it will be possible to take appropriate therapeutic or preventive measures, and, if necessary, compare the results of studies before pregnancy in the future with the results of examinations during pregnancy.
Indications:
- preparation for pregnancy (recommended for both partners);
- signs of intrauterine infection, feto-placental insufficiency;
- HIV infection;
- immunodeficiency states;
- differential diagnosis of urogenital infections. Blistering herpetiform rash.
It is recommended to donate blood in the morning, between 8 am and 12 pm. Blood is drawn on an empty stomach, after 4–6 hours of fasting. It is allowed to drink water without gas and sugar. On the eve of the examination, food overload should be avoided.
Interpretation of results
Units of measurement: UE*
- < 0,9 - отрицательно;
- 0.9–1.1 - doubtful (it may be advisable to repeat the study after 5–7 days);
- > 1.1 - positive.
- chronic infection. An increase in antibody titer by more than 30% during repeated studies indicates activation of the infection, a decrease in antibody titer corresponds to positive dynamics;
- intrauterine infection is possible, but its likelihood is unknown (if the test was first performed during pregnancy) or not high (if studies before pregnancy revealed the presence of anti-HSV-IgG).
- absence of chronic infection with herpes virus type 1 and/or type 2;
- acute infection is not excluded, but is unlikely;
- in cases where no acute infection is detected, intrauterine infection with the herpes simplex virus is excluded.
Herpes igg positive what does this mean? When receiving test results, many people ask this question.
Some take tests simply “for themselves,” while others do so on the recommendation of a doctor when there are obvious signs of illness or before planning a pregnancy. In any case, it is extremely important to interpret the results correctly. Ideally, this should be done by the attending physician, but the basic values can be interpreted independently.
This article will discuss the types of tests used to identify herpes, as well as the situations in which a positive and false-positive result for herpes is possible.
Today, diagnostics is very developed, which makes it possible to identify many diseases, even those that are in a latent form. A wide selection of different studies allows the doctor to choose the most suitable one, based on which method will be more effective for a particular disease, as well as whether the patient is satisfied with its price.
In order to determine whether the herpes virus is present in the human body, the following studies are used:
- ELISA – enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It can be used to determine the presence of antibodies and their concentration. During the period of exacerbation, the IgM content increases, and in the chronic course - IgG. Thus, this method allows you to establish the phase of the disease. To carry out the analysis, the patient's blood, scrapings or smears are used, which are combined with pathogen antigens. Subsequently, depending on whether the virus is present in the body or not, an antigen-antibody complex is formed (or not). After this, an enzyme that stains the antibodies is added to the composition. Depending on the amount of immunoglobulins, the final result is interpreted.
- REEF– this method detects herpes antigens in the discharged material. The method is effective only when there is a high content of infected cells and a minimum content of other microorganisms. Before analysis, the biomaterial is treated with a substance, after exposure to which antigens glow, and therefore they are easily detected during microscopic examination.
- PCR– one of the simplest methods that allows you to quickly determine the presence of a virus in the body, even at low concentrations. The method is based on repeated copying of a DNA section of the pathogen and its subsequent identification. The best material for analysis is fluid from the rash or cerebrospinal fluid, but other biomaterials are also suitable.
- Virological method– the instructions for carrying it out are not too complicated. A sample of herpetic sore fluid or cells is collected with a cotton swab and isolated in cell culture. The presence of the virus in infected cultures can be judged by specific cellular degeneration, intracellular inclusions and a positive hemagglutination and hemadsorption reaction.
- Cytological examination– from the place where herpes is present on the human body, they take a scraping and study whether there are degenerations in the cells. This method is very effective even in the absence of clinical symptoms, but it is not able to determine the stage and type of the disease.
Note! For genital herpes in women, one of the diagnostic methods is extended colposcopy. With this procedure, you can see changes in the mucous membranes of the genital organs. After treatment with acetic acid, you may notice a whitish rash in the vagina, characteristic of herpes.
Why are the results positive?
First, we need to clarify that there are positive and false-positive results for herpes. Both are such for different reasons, which must be distinguished.
Positive results can be interpreted as follows:
- Anti-HSV Ig G– indicates that the body contains antibodies to the virus, but the disease has already been suffered. In this case, herpes g positive can be detected throughout life.
- Anti-HSV Ig M– antibodies are detected in the acute phase of the disease, and after complex therapy they persist for several months.
- Anti-HSV Ig M +\Anti HSV Ig G+ indicates a relapse of chronic infection or a late period of primary infection. Positive igg herpes with a fourfold increase in titers has diagnostic value during primary infection.
False positive results may occur in the following situations:
- When performing an analysis using the PCR method, a false result may be caused by contamination of the equipment after previous tests.
- In serological tests, a false positive result occurs due to the similarity of the protein parts of different viruses. In addition, the invasion of the virus and the individual reaction of the infected organism to the pathogen play an important role.
- Ig M tests cannot distinguish HSV type 1 antibodies from type 2, which causes false-positive results for the second type virus.
Note! If the test result is questionable, it is recommended to simultaneously use several diagnostic methods.
Prevention of herpes infection
In addition to methods for diagnosing and treating herpes, prevention of this disease plays an important role. The positive point is the ability to follow the recommendations without any problems and perform the necessary manipulations with your own hands.
In order to avoid infection, you should adhere to the following rules:
- Maintain personal hygiene - wash your hands thoroughly after handling money, public transport, visiting the toilet, and before eating.
- Have your own personal set of hygiene items, stored separately.
- Use barrier methods of contraception (condoms) during sexual intercourse.
It is worth noting that it is almost impossible to completely protect yourself from infection with herpes simplex type 1, since the disease can be transmitted by airborne droplets and through short skin-to-skin contact.
For those who are already infected with herpes, there are also certain recommendations:
- Do not engage in any type of sexual intercourse during the acute phase of the disease, and use condoms in the future.
- Store your personal hygiene kit (washcloth, towel, comb, cosmetics, etc.) separately from others.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with the affected area of the body, and ideally do not touch the rash.
- Do not touch your eyes with your hands or use saliva to wet contact lenses.
- Under no circumstances try to get rid of the rash by piercing the blisters or tearing off the scabs, this will only aggravate the disease and spread it to other parts of the body.
In addition, it must be remembered that a condom cannot completely protect against infection, since infection can occur through parts of the body not covered by the condom, or due to defects in the product.
From the photos and videos in this article, we were able to learn the most common methods for detecting herpes, as well as the reasons for positive results in diagnostic tests.
Frequently asked questions to the doctor
We burn herpes
Good evening. Tell me, how effective is it to burn a herpes rash with alcohol or brilliant green?
Hello. Cauterization of the elements does not cause any damage to the activity of the virus, but burns damaged mucous membranes and skin. It will be more effective to lubricate the affected areas with alcohol-free antiseptics to avoid the addition of a purulent infection.
Main symptoms:
- Pain in the affected area
- Release of liquid from the bubble
- Itching of the skin at the site of the lesion
- Ulceration of vesicles
- Skin erosions
- Formation of crusts in the affected area
- Redness of the skin at the site of the lesion
- The appearance of bubbles with liquid
- Transparent blisters on the genitals
Herpes simplex virus is a viral pathology characterized by the appearance on the skin and mucous membranes of characteristic blisters with a serous filling. There are two serotypes of this virus: 1 and 2. Once settled in a person’s body, this pathogen remains with him forever, so tests for igg and igm make it possible to determine antibodies to the virus and understand whether a person has it in the body.
A positive test result for igg antibodies indicates that the pathogen is active, a negative result indicates that it is in the latent phase. Actually, even without analysis, a person can understand that a virus has appeared in his body when the disease manifests itself with pronounced symptoms. The only problem is that a large number of people are asymptomatic carriers of the virus, that is, they have it in their bodies, but do not manifest themselves in any way. People who do not have symptoms are also infectious to others, so testing for Igg antibodies should be done periodically, especially during pregnancy, when there is a risk of infection of the baby in the womb.
Peculiarities
Herpes simplex virus 1 is the most common and manifests itself with characteristic rashes on the lips, near the nose, on the cheeks and other parts of the face. Type 2 virus often leads to rashes on the mucous membranes of the genital organs. Very often, this type of pathology is asymptomatic, although a person continues to infect others through sexual contact with them.
As mentioned above, it is impossible to cure this disease, but the body is able to produce antibodies, due to which the pathogen is kept under the control of the immune system for a long time. When the immune defense weakens, viral rashes are the first sign of this - if there is a type 1 virus in the body, they appear (mainly), and with a type 2 virus, they appear on the genitals.
Symptoms and stages
If an antibody test shows that IgM is detected in a person’s body, this indicates that the pathogen has not yet been activated and does not pose a threat to the person and the people around him. But it is present in the body, and if favorable circumstances are created, it will manifest itself. When an antibody test shows the presence of Igg, this means that the virus is active and the person poses a danger to others and requires treatment.
The symptoms of the pathogen type 1 virus are specific, and they are difficult to confuse with the symptoms of another pathology. The disease manifests itself as rashes that look like small blisters with liquid on the hyperemic area of the skin or mucous membranes. Depending on the stage of the disease, symptoms may vary. So, the first stage is characterized by the appearance of redness in a certain area and a feeling of itching. If treatment is started at this stage, the likelihood of its development decreases sharply and the disease usually subsides.
The second stage is the appearance of small bubbles filled with transparent contents, which become cloudy over time. Itching at the site of the rash persists.
Stage three is characterized by ulceration of the vesicles, with the release of exudate and the formation of an erosive surface. During this period, a person is most contagious to others. An antibody test during this period shows the presence of Igg in the blood.
The last, fourth stage, is characterized by the formation of crusts, which, if their integrity is violated, can bleed and cause pain.
With a mild course of the pathology, there is usually no disturbance in the general condition, but with a severe form of the disease, a person may complain of:
- temperature increase;
- general weakness;
- enlargement of lymph nodes located near the site of the lesion;
- strong painful sensations.
If we talk about herpes simplex virus type 2 (genital), then its manifestations are similar to type 1 virus, with the only difference being that blisters form on the skin or mucous membrane of the genital organs.
It is divided into primary and secondary. They speak of primary when the disease first manifests itself - its course is more severe and prolonged than when it reoccurs.
Secondary genital herpes is a relapse of the pathology, occurring either with mild symptoms or asymptomatically. In a blood test, antibodies to the causative agent of herpes simplex type 2 also show the amount of igg or igm, which indicates the active phase of the disease or inactive.
Herpes during pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman can also become infected with herpes simplex type 1 or 2. In adults, the herpes simplex virus rarely causes severe illness, but the fetus in the womb may develop various deformities as a result of its exposure. In addition, it can cause severe congenital pathologies in newborns. Therefore, during pregnancy, women are first of all examined for antibodies to igg and igm.
The genital variety of the pathogen during pregnancy is a more dangerous form than the type 1 virus, since it causes severe disorders in the fetus three times more often. In particular, in the early stages of pregnancy, it can cause miscarriage and death of the fetus in the womb. If the child does not die in the mother’s womb, he may subsequently develop pathologies such as:
- convulsions;
- underdevelopment of the brain;
- mental retardation and other disorders.
When a woman becomes infected with this virus late in pregnancy, the baby may become infected during childbirth. In particular, he may develop skin rashes, and sometimes develop disseminated infection, in which the infection spreads through the bloodstream throughout the body, causing the death of the baby.
Tests can be carried out several times throughout the entire period of gestation. If they show: igm antibodies to herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 are negative, and igg antibodies are negative, it means that at the moment the woman is healthy and her baby is not in danger. In cases where the test for igg antibodies gives a positive result, it is necessary to undergo antiviral treatment, since this means that the pathogen is currently activated in the woman’s body and can threaten the life and health of her child.
The most common virus on the planet today is herpes. and is present in the body of most people, the main danger lies in the severe consequences that it can cause to health.
The structure of our dirty trick
Herpes virus types 1 and 2 are very common; about eighty percent of all inhabitants of the earth are its carriers. After the initial infection, it subsequently passes into a passive form, which is activated mainly against the background of weakened immunity. The clinical picture begins with certain symptoms.
As a rule, people become infected with the first type in infancy; it easily penetrates the mucous membranes and skin of a person and settles in the nerve ganglia. In most cases, areas such as:
- mucous membranes (oral and nasal cavity);
- face or eyes;
- arms or legs, mainly on the fingers;
- nervous system.
Also, type 1 infection can occur in the hips and other areas, however, this is observed somewhat less frequently. Most often it occurs in the form of small blisters with liquid and is called a “cold”.
Progression stages:
- Itching and tingling in the area of the future lesion. Often associated with general weakness and high fever.
- The formation of a small bubble (or several) with liquid, which noticeably increases in size and, as a rule, causes discomfort.
- The leakage of fluid as a result of a burst sore and the appearance of an ulcer at this site. At this stage, a person is able to infect others around him.
- The appearance of a crust on it, which can periodically crack and bleed.
Type 2 infection affects the genitals and anus, and can be primary or secondary. The vast majority of people do not suspect that they are a carrier.
Key points in the course of the disease:
- during primary infection there are no symptoms, this phase is the most dangerous for other people;
- passes into the second phase, periodically appearing again (accompanied by pain in the genital area, high fever, chills);
- during relapses, blisters appear on the genitals and anus, externally or internally;
- then they begin to dry out, forming a crust.
Within seven to ten days it completely disappears, but remains forever in the human blood.
Diseases caused by a virus.
This is approximately how this disease develops Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, while in the body, penetrates the lymphatic system and blood, thereby having a dangerous effect on internal organs, leading to a number of serious diseases.
Diseases caused by type 1 infection:
- leukocytosis;
- encephalitis and meningitis;
- brain abscess;
- damage to the central nervous system.
Type 2 infection can cause the following diseases:
- various gynecological;
- cystitis;
- infertility, which can be male or female;
- dysfunction of the prostate gland;
- complete loss of vision;
- destruction of tissues of the abdominal organs.
People with weak immune systems are primarily susceptible to viruses. In any case, at the first suspicion of infection, you must see a doctor to make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment, otherwise irreversible consequences are possible.
Routes of transmission from person to person.
Airborne transmission In the following ways:
- airborne;
- during intimate contact;
- through blood;
Most often, people first encounter this disease in childhood, since it is very easy to become infected. After this, the person becomes a carrier for the rest of his life, which manifests itself periodically, especially when the immune system is weakened.
Type 2 virus is transmitted in most cases:
- due to unprotected sexual intercourse;
- through blood.
Moreover, it is possible to become infected not only during the active phase of herpes, but even in its latent form. The only way to minimize your risks is to use a condom.
Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 are very resistant to external factors and tenacious. It has been proven that women are six times more likely to catch this infection than men. However, once it enters the body, it may not cause disease, especially if the person has a sufficiently strong immune system.
Diagnostics takes place in the laboratory The first stage of diagnosing herpes is:
- consideration of complaints from the patient;
- external visual inspection.
After suspicion of HSV infection types 1 and 2 (), laboratory tests are prescribed, which can be carried out in the following ways:
1. Enzyme immunoassay- is a specific molecular study, the reliability of which is almost one hundred percent.
After penetration, the human body begins to produce certain antibodies, classes M and G. Moreover, first a person acquires Igm titers, then Igg. Thus, if during testing for HSV types 1 and 2 the igg is positive, then this indicates the presence of infection in the body and, accordingly, vice versa.
The peculiarity of this method is that it is able to give an answer about the presence or absence of herpes, even at the time of its latent (passive) state, in addition, it is able to tell when the last time there was a relapse.
herpes test 2. Culture method- the most reliable and at the same time long-lasting and expensive.
It involves taking biomaterial from the patient and culturing it for further analysis of the resulting microorganisms. In most cases, for this method, a liquid is taken from a vesicle on the patient’s body, which infects the chicken embryo. After a certain time, a section of this egg is examined for the presence of viruses.
3. Polysize chain reaction– an estimate of the number of viruses in the body is given.
A special feature of this method is the ability to obtain an answer even before the start of the active phase, and in addition, make a forecast of the likelihood of relapse. In other words, as soon as infection has occurred, the answer will already be correct.
No specific preparation is required before testing to detect infection. It is necessary for all people suspected of having herpes, especially pregnant women.
Treatment in the traditional way.
Drugs for HSV types 1 and 2 To date, no drug has been developed that could completely eradicate the herpes virus from the body. Any treatment is aimed at easing the course of the disease and reducing its main symptoms, such as teeth, burning, discomfort, pain, and more.
The main drugs are:
- acyclovir;
- Zovirax;
- valacyclovir;
- Panavir.
Ointments are applied to the affected areas of the skin and mucous membranes from the moment until complete recovery. The use of tablets with the same name is also effective. In addition, with constant exacerbations of the disease, a comprehensive examination is necessary to identify possible other diseases and their immediate treatment.
Any drug should be used only after consultation with a specialist, otherwise it can only worsen the situation.
Exercise can solve most of your health problems! Since relapses of herpes viruses types 1 and 2 are observed with weakened immunity, it is imperative to prevent their reappearance in the future:
- lead a healthy lifestyle;
- proper nutrition and sleep;
- walks and sports;
- rejection of bad habits;
- avoid stress;
- protected sexual intercourse.
Taking vitamins and medications to boost immunity is also effective as a preventative measure, but this is possible after they are prescribed by a doctor.
There are various methods of traditional medicine aimed at easing the course of the disease, as well as reducing the likelihood of recurrence:
- make an infusion of celandine herb. To do this, you need to pour boiling water in a ratio of two tablespoons per glass of water and let it stand for one hour. After this, it is recommended to apply lotions to the affected areas. This procedure is carried out at least three times a day;
- take a warm bath with a few drops of essential oil and lemon juice, lie down for fifteen minutes. This method is more suitable for herpes type 2;
- Gently rinse the affected area with warm water and apply regular salt to this area. Leave on for five minutes and rinse off. For only a few minutes, it will burn very strongly, but this will allow the ulcers to heal much faster;
- Place a small piece of ice in a clean cloth or napkin. Then apply to the problematic or mucous membrane;
- make lotions from birch buds. To do this, pour ten grams of kidneys with milk (or water) and cook for five minutes over low heat. After this, cool and treat the affected area.
A combination of traditional medicine and doctors’ recommendations on drug therapy, and most importantly a set of preventive measures aimed at preventing the formation of herpes in the body, will allow you to achieve the most successful result.
Risks and complications.
Herpes virus types 1 and 2 are dangerous due to various complications and risks to human health:
- be an impetus for the development of cancer, most often prostate and cervical cancer;
- be the cause of infertility, especially due to failure to timely identify and not carry out a complex of treatment;
- lead to irreversible changes in the brain.
Herpes poses the greatest threat to a pregnant woman; it is dangerous:
- various complications during gestation;
- sudden termination of pregnancy;
- disruption of the internal system of the embryo and improper formation of its organs;
- the occurrence of pathologies in the unborn child, including those incompatible with life;
- death of the fetus.
The herpes virus, entering the body, very easily passes through the placenta to the child, thereby having a detrimental effect on him. Moreover, primary infection is dangerous when the mother’s body has not produced antibodies; repeated infection is not favorable, but does not create such a threat. If a woman has herpes while expecting a baby, she needs to undergo an examination; a specialist can determine the further prognosis and treatment.
Thus, we can conclude that most people are carriers of herpes virus types 1 and 2, which can be periodically activated and lead to many serious consequences. However, prevention aimed at strengthening the immune system will reduce the likelihood of disease.
Who said that curing herpes is difficult?
- Do you suffer from itching and burning in the areas of the rash?
- The sight of blisters does not at all add to your self-confidence...
- And it’s somehow embarrassing, especially if you suffer from genital herpes...
- And for some reason, ointments and medications recommended by doctors are not effective in your case...
- In addition, constant relapses have already become a part of your life...
- And now you are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that will help you get rid of herpes!
There is an effective remedy for herpes. and find out how Elena Makarenko cured herself of genital herpes in 3 days!
The herpes virus is one of those pathogens that may not manifest themselves for a long time, but occasionally they are activated, causing a full-fledged disease. A total of 8 types of this virus have been identified, the most common of which are: herpes simplex (), (varicella zoster), viruses and roseola. Medicine is not yet able to completely rid the body of herpes, but it is possible to suppress the acute form or relapse by transferring it to a latent state.
Your own immunity plays a key role in fighting the virus. In response to infection, the immune system produces specific proteins - antibodies to the herpes virus (immunoglobulins). In the absence of infection, antibodies are not detected; their presence always indicates the presence of a virus.
Indications for analysis
The analysis is prescribed in cases of visible external manifestations of infection or if a latent form is suspected. Detection of immunoglobulins in the blood allows us to confirm the presence of herpes in the body and determine its type. Once infection has been established, treatment is prescribed to suppress the activity of the virus.
The test for antibodies to herpes is included in the diagnostic program for TORCH infections, which women undergo when planning pregnancy and during pregnancy. Diagnosis for the presence of herpes is also prescribed for HIV-infected patients. This examination is also important before organ transplantation.
What does positive IgG for herpes mean?
Among viral herpes infections, the most common is herpes simplex - HSV (HSV - Herpes Simplex Virus, herpes simplex). There are two types: HSV-1, which affects the mouth area, and HSV-2, which is characterized by manifestations in the genital area (genital herpes).
Immunoglobulins are divided into 5 classes: IgM, IgG, IgA, IgE, IgD. Each class has its own characteristics for diagnosis; IgM and IgG are most often studied.
IgM antibodies are a marker of primary viral infection, and IgG can be detected several days after infection and during the latent period. A level of immunoglobulins below normal means a negative result, or seronegativity; an increased content (high titer) of antibodies means a positive result, or seropositivity.
The unit of measurement is the ratio of the optical density of the material under study to the critical optical density - OPiss/OPcr; reference values are indicated on the form. Some laboratories are limited to the answer “positive” or “negative”.
To decipher the analysis data, it is necessary to compare two classes of antibodies - M and G. Positive IgG with negative IgM means that the body is under immune protection, the primary infection is suppressed, and the possibility of reactivation depends on additional factors. If antibodies M and G are positive, there is a relapse.
During pregnancy
Testing for HSV is of great importance for women during pregnancy. A positive test result for antibodies to herpes G together with M means a threat: from the risk of miscarriage to intrauterine infection with a negative impact on the development of the fetus and the health of the newborn. There is a risk of infection of the child during childbirth.
In children
Positive IgG to the herpes virus is rare in newborns. Infection most often occurs during the perinatal period (approximately 85% of cases). The greatest danger is posed by primary infection and severe progression of the disease in pregnant women. Asymptomatic detection of HSV in the mother has minimal risk to the fetus.
Primary infection in a child manifests itself as a herpetic rash on the body, lasting no more than 2 weeks. Approximately 30% of newborns infected with HSV in utero develop encephalitis.
What is herpes avidity?
Analysis for antibodies to the herpes simplex virus does not provide high reliability in differentiating primary infection and exacerbation. Since the treatment regimens for primary and chronic infections are different, it is recommended to conduct an additional study - an antibody avidity test, which allows you to obtain retrospective information about the virus.
Avidity of antibodies to herpes is the strength of the bond between immunoglobulin and a foreign substance (virus). A small presence of antigens causes an increase in avidity faster than a large one. The first stages of infection are characterized by a high content of antigens, therefore, during this period, predominantly low-avid immunoglobulins are produced; their detection indicates a primary acute infection. The presence of high-avidity IgG antibodies in the blood indicates that immunity to the virus exists and provides a response to secondary infection in the body.
In diagnostics, the avidity index is used, which allows combining low-avid and high-avid antibodies into one indicator.
