Both HSV types (type I&II) tests have cross reactivity in most of the routinely used test because the genetic material in both types are similar in over 85% of their contents. The discovery of glycoproteins on both HSV�s viruses gave us a lead in diagnosing them with very high sensitivity and specificity. Glycoproteins are found on the surface of the virons and have different functions and are species specific. For example Glycoprotein G-I (in HSVI) have at least 10 parts (A,B,C,D,H,L etc). The C- component is very important for adsorption of the virus to the human cell. While B,D,H,L glycoproteins are important for virus fusion with the cell. Vaccines are now made against some glycoproteins in both species and found to be effective in preventing infection with these viruses. Recently, Western Blot testing (by extraction of the virus different proteins) has been implemented to test the presence of antibodies against different glycoproteins in HSV infected patients. Recognizing different glycoproteins by Western Blot is both species specific and very sensitive. Patients who have antibodies to 1-B, 1-C, or I-D are having antibodies against HSV-1. While patients having antibodies in their sera for Glycoprotein (G-2) are definitely infected with HSV II. This test has a very high sensitivity (99%) and specificity of 100%
:This test is recommended for use in the following situations
-1
In any patients who has ulcers in the genital areas
-2
In patients who have sexual contacts with more than one partner. Please remember that over half of HSVII infected patients are asymptomatic
-3
In pregnant women who want to be sure that they do not harbor this virus in their genital tract
-4
In patient where discrimination between type I and type II is essential, especially for socio-psychological reasons
Please do not hesitate to contact us for any further inquiries
We, in the First Medical Lab, are dedicated to bring the best of laboratory test to clinical practice in Jordan
.Dr. Hussam Abu- Farsakh, M.D
Consultant Pathologist and Cytopathologist
American boards of Anatomic, Clinical Pathology and Cytopathology