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 human tissues and organs. About 85% of the world's population are carriers of this disease, which at the slightest opportunity is taken to attack the infected victim again and again.
In total, nine varieties of infection have been found so far, and each of them can affect a person. Blood tests for the herpes virus can help determine the exact diagnosis.
Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
It is customary to distinguish two types of 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 vesicles on the lips and the areas around them. As a rule, the infection is transmitted through close contact with the carrier of the disease or in contact with the surface to which 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 has ulcers. Depending on the area of contact, herpes can also get and spread to the genitals.
The virus of this type in most cases is harmless enough in comparison with its "relatives", and in addition to itching, burning and aesthetic discomfort, it does not bring any special troubles. A blood test for herpes with 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 through sexual contact. It occurs in the anus, various parts of the digestive tract and on the genitals. With various contacts it can get into the mouth. In addition, the baby may 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 takes very severe forms and sometimes leads to death.
Regardless of whether genital herpes is caused initially by HSV-1 or HSV-2, the end result is the same: repeated outbreaks, the consequences of which may include fever, swollen lymph nodes, painful urination and burning, itchy blisters that usually start to itch and heal in a few weeks.
HSV infections remain in the body for life. Although the latent state is reached quickly enough, stress and weakened immunity causes an instant relapse, in which the carrier can infect other people. The virus manifests itself in lesions on the skin, but is also able to be present in various body fluids, including saliva and vaginal secretions.
If infection is suspected, it is important to perform appropriate blood tests for herpes type 1 and 2 as quickly as possible in order to find out the truth and, if necessary, start treatment.
Other forms
The following is a brief description of other forms of herpes viruses:
- Varicella Zoster virus. It causes two main diseases: chickenpox (usually sick in childhood) and herpes zoster, which is a reactivation of an earlier infection.
- Epstein-Barr virus. They infected most of the population (90-95%). Usually he does not manifest himself. In some cases, it causes Burkitt's lymphoma, nasopharyngeal cancer, Guillain-Barré syndrome, hairy leukoplakia, and infectious mononucleosis. The virus spreads during kisses or can enter the body through a blood transfusion. It is detected by PCR analysis of blood for herpes.
- Cytomegalovirus. Propagated only in human cells. The infection is transmitted through the blood and sexually, and can also infect the baby 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 worldwide and is found in the saliva of most adults (> 90%). It infects almost all children under the age of two years and remains at rest until a later age, when it can be activated. Upper respiratory tract infection, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, and thyroid dysfunction are symptoms of a sudden outbreak of herpes type 6. A blood test for antibodies can determine the exact cause of the ailment. This virus has two forms: HHV-6A and HHV-6B. The latter causes childhood roseola - a common disease in infants during which there is a fever, lymph nodes and upper respiratory tract infections increase. After the incubation period, the fever subsides, leaving a rash on the trunk and neck, which disappears in a few days. In adults, the primary infection is associated with mononucleosis. HIV patients have a higher infection rate than the normal population. Like other herpes viruses, HHV-6 remains in the body forever and may be awakened due to suppression of the immune system or simply as a result of the aging process. A key feature is its ability to evade control of the immune system, which is why activation is dangerous for some people in whom it can cause fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome for life. It is detected through a blood test for herpes 6 to IgG antibodies of this type.
- Virus 7. Found in adult saliva (> 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. It is still poorly understood, but it has been revealed that it is the cause of the development of Kaposi’s sarcoma and Castleman’s disease (lymphocyte damage). 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 it 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 lead to death or serious neurological problems (encephalitis). There is also evidence that the disease can be transmitted from infected to another person.
Diagnosis of herpes simplex virus
There are three common ways to detect an infection. Moreover, the 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 should always be confirmed by laboratory testing.
The most accurate and reliable are tests that are performed using samples of material taken from the affected areas (fluid from the vesicles or pieces of tissue). Naturally, they are carried out only if the infection is in an active state.
Finally, herpes simplex blood tests can detect HSV antibodies that are detected only two months after infection.
Enzyme immunoassay (ELISA)
The body naturally responds to HSV infection by creating two types of antibodies (blood proteins, the function of which is to fight viruses and bacteria): IgM and IgG.
Immunoglobulin M is detected immediately, but can disappear at a later date, therefore it is IgG that is most popular in the analysis of 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 can 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. Thus, a person can get a false negative result if the samples are taken too early.
Therefore, it is recommended to take tests no earlier than ten weeks after the suspected infection. Otherwise, the laboratory may not determine the presence of antibodies.
Polymerase Chain Reaction Test (PCR)
It can be done on any biomaterial taken from the affected area, on blood or other fluid (e.g., cerebrospinal fluid).
This method recognizes the virus of HSV virus, and also helps to establish whether this sample belongs to HSV-1 or HSV-2.
A herpes blood test (PCR) is one of the most popular methods for detecting herpes, as it is fast, fairly accurate, and there is less chance of a false result when it is performed.
The test can detect cold sores even if you have no physical symptoms. The doctor will take a sample that will be tested in the laboratory to see evidence of the presence of the virus in the body.
Immunofluorescence Reaction (RIF)
Easy and quick on-time blood test for herpes. The downside 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
A highly reliable method that yields high accuracy results. Its meaning lies in the fact that the patient takes fluid from sores on the skin and sows a chicken egg (embryo). Thanks to this technique, you can understand what type of HSV a person is infected with. This study is not very popular, since a lot of time and money is spent on its results.
Test results
Based on them, a course of treatment of the patient is prescribed. Home rapid tests are not recommended because they cannot determine the severity of the condition, which affects the quality of treatment. Before you 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 contact your doctor.
Abnormal results that indicate 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 vials containing liquid are generally better and more accurate in identifying the virus than other samples.
Do not forget that if you have recently acquired an infection, then it takes about three months before you can figure out what type of HSV it belongs to. About 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 does not mean that you do not have a herpes infection. If the first test is normal, but you have symptoms of infection, you must re-examine.
Why should you make your partner take the test?
There are many good reasons to check your partner for herpes:
- You may have already transmitted the virus to him. This is very unfortunate, and the person will certainly be upset, but this must be done in order to avoid the further spread of the infection.
- He could have infected you with HSV-2 during intercourse. Most people get herpes from a partner who may not even know that they have it, or that hides its presence. A blood test for herpes type 2 can be done at any medical facility.
Drugs for the treatment of herpes infection
In HSV, acyclic nucleoside analogs are used, which are used to treat affected areas. The fact that the drugs are activated only in cells infected with herpes means that they have few side effects.
If a blood test for herpes type 1 and its sexually transmitted “fellow” turned out to be positive, then Acyclovir is the most famous way to combat it. There are other approved drugs in the same group, including Famciclovir and Valacyclovir. It should be noted that these drugs act against the replicating HSV (they are included in the DNA as it is copied) and therefore are ineffective against the latent virus.
With herpes Zoster, an abundant drink is prescribed and a bubble coating with brilliant green or antiviral drugs.
Unlike herpes simplex, there are no drugs available to treat the Epstein-Barr virus. The vaccine is currently under development.
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 getting a virus is to limit sexual contact with an infected partner.
Ganciclovir and Acyclovir are also effective for HSV-6.
Virus B is sensitive to both of the drugs described above, which are recommended for therapy. Their effectiveness is currently unknown.