Diagnostics laboratory of genital herpes through ultrasensitive tests by PCR thta allow direct detection of infection by herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2.
We hope that this information will be very helpful. If you have doubts, our professionals can help you. Contact them on 91 591 63 13 or info@empireo.es.
Available tests:
Herpesvirus PCR test
This test allows the detection of herpes simplex virus DNA with high sensitivity and specificity. The high sensitivity of this herpesvirus test reduces the window period (7 days) and also allows to determine if it is HSV1 or HSV2. When there are injuries from these infections, the virus is easily detectable in just 7 days after infection. However, in the absence of injury, human herpesvirus virus infections can remain undetectable for several weeks using this technique, in this case it would be recommended to perform the antibody test.
Antibody test for Herpesvirus type 1 and/or 2
This test allows the detection of the antibodies that our immune system generates against the herpes simplex virus with high sensitivity and specificity. The sensitivity of this herpesvirus test sets the window period to 3 weeks and also allows to determine if it is HSV1 or HSV2. The existence of an injury is not necessary as long as the window period has elapsed since exposure to risk. This test detects antibodies of type Immunoglobulin G or M (IgG and IgM).
Knows our test packs.
What is herpes?
Herpes is a disease most common STD in U.S. It is an infection caused by two different but closely related viruses known as herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2). Both are easy to get, have similar symptoms and can occur in different parts of body. When infection is in the mouth, it is called oral herpes. When in or near the sex organs, it is called genital herpes.
While HSV-1 is primarily responsible for cold sores and only 5% to 10% of genital herpes, HSV- 2 causes most infections in the genital region.
How is herpes spread?
Direct skin contact with the skin can transmit herpes. This includes touching, kissing and sexual contact (vaginal, anal and oral). Wetted parts of the mouth, throat, anus, penis, vulva, vagina and eyes are very easily infected.
Is there enough contact for a short period of time for the virus to be transmitted .
Virus transmission can occur even in absence of symptoms, so that a sexual partner without obvious genital herpes sores can still transmit the disease. Transfer without symptoms may actually contribute more to spread of genital herpes than do active sores, reaching 80% of cases.
Skin can become infected if cut, irritated , burning, or other injuries. Herpes can be passed from one person to another, or a part of one’s body to another. If a person has oral lesions can transmit virus during oral sex and cause genital herpes.
Use condoms when you have not avoided altogether sores transmission of disease because condom may not cover the wounds of the body. Virus can also spread from the skin to places condom does not cover.
What are symptoms of oral herpes?
Oral herpes usually appears on the lips or inside the mouth, in the form of “cold sores” (small blisters).
What are symptoms of genital herpes?
Often, genital herpes does not cause any symptoms. Many people carry the virus in body but symptoms do not appear.
- Itching.
- Burning, sensation of pain if urine passes over the sores.
- Inability to urinate for swelling because many sores.
- Swollen and tender to the touch in the groin, throat and underarms lymph nodes (swelling can last up to 6 weeks).
- Muscle aches.
- Headache.
- Fever.
- Nausea.
- Feeling of decay.
- In general, feel pain, flu-like.
Symptoms usually go away within 3 weeks or even faster if you treat with medication.
Is there a treatment for herpes?
Yes, although in fact the genital herpes can not be cured, and not currently available therapeutic procedures that eliminate virus. However, treatment can improve symptoms. There are medicines that help you heal faster, make symptoms less painful and reduce risk of rashes appear while taking the medication. This medication does not kill the virus and will not prevent future outbreaks recur.
Once you contract the herpes virus, you have it forever. Even if you have no symptoms, virus is in your body and can be reactivated at any time. However, with the passage of time, generally there are fewer outbreaks and they cause less severe symptoms.
What is an outbreak?
After having primary herpes (the first appearance of symptoms of herpes), symptoms disappear but virus remains in your body. Virus can reactivate at any time and cause a new outbreak of symptoms.
Importance to women
This virus is particularly important for women, since it has been found as cause of cervical cancer, and risk increases when in combination with the human papillomavirus (HPV).
What does EMPIREO offer?
EMPIREO offers a highly reliable diagnostic test in which the virus is found in body regions where there is suspected infection or, generically, in an oral or genital scraping. This test can determine presence of virus, and therefore with infectivity .
Our test is able to differentiate whether infection is caused by HSV-1 or HSV-2, allowing indicate which body regions are more likely infection.
And if you have doubts … come see us !
Sources:
National Health Institute (USA)
Aurelios, et al, 1991, Lancet, 337, 189-192
Lakeman, et al, 1995, J. Infect. Dis., 171, 857-863
Schlesinger, et al, 1995, Clin. Infect. Dis., 20, 842-848
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