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  Herpes Type  1        $ 79.00

• 30% of all new cases of Genital Herpes results from HSV-1 the virus of "cold sores".

• The difference between "genital" Herpes and "oral" Herpes is in location only, not viral type.

• 50 to 80% of all Americans carry the antibodies to HSV-1.

• A staggering number of people, even those who have been infected for years, are unaware that these oral/facial outbreaks are a form of Herpes, and are therefore highly contagious.

• HSV-1 infection of the genital areas are  passed via oral sex with someone who has a cold sore.

...click for more about the 1 2 3 Herpes Testing Process

Many people mistakenly refer to type 2 as "genital herpes," and type 1 as "oral herpes," when in fact, Herpes types 1 and 2 can and do infect either area. While many people have type 1 oral infections and type 1 or 2 genital infections as well, it is extremely rare for a person to have infections with type 1 and type 2 simultaneously in the same location.

Herpes Simplex Type 1 (HSV-1) is the virus responsible of "cold sores" which are known as fever blisters, This virus is related to, but not the same as, the HSV-2 virus which causes genital herpes. Oral-facial herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) infection is a common, worldwide problem. HSV is an acronym for the Herpes Simplex Virus.  Research has shown that between 50 to 80% of all Americans carry the antibodies to HSV-1. Between 10 to 20% of that population suffers recurring outbreaks.

   Even though a person may visibly show no signs of recurrence, it is possible for a person to pass the HSV-1 virus. A staggering number of people, even those who have been infected for years, are unaware that these oral/facial outbreaks are a form of Herpes, and are therefore highly contagious. There is very little public awareness, education, or discussion of Herpes.  Most people are infected with the virus by the time they are 10-years-old. Studies in the United States indicate that 30 to 60 percent of children under the age of 10 years have been exposed to the virus. The incidence of infection steadily increases with age, reaching 80 to 90 percent among adults 50 years of age and older.

   The virus usually enters the body through the mouth. The initial contact with the disease does not result in a cold sore, but can be either asymptomatic (no obvious symptoms of infection) or with symptoms more readily associated with an upper respiratory infection, and often lesions in the mouth.

   Following the initial episode, the virus moves away from the nerve endings up into portions of the nervous system close to the lips. The HSV-1 virus remains in the body for the remainder of the person's life. What causes approximately one-third of those initially infected to suffer from recurrent cold sores is unknown. However, for those individuals who do suffer from recurrent cold sores, certain triggers will initiate the development of a cold sore.

   Serology is an effective way to diagnose subclinical HSV type 2 infections, but currently most available tests are of limited value because they cannot accurately discriminate between HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies. Because herpes virus types 1 and 2 share many common antigens, there is considerable cross-reactivity among most type 1 and type 2 enzyme immunoassays (EIA) based on whole viral proteins.

   The National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys have shown that the estimated seroprevalence of herpes simplex 2 in individuals over 12 years of age is greater than 20% and increasing. The prevalence in women is about 8% higher than in men (25.6% versus 17.8%). Subclinical infections are present in 90% of those infected with HSV-2. This lack of awareness of infection contributes to virus spread. With the high prevalence of HSV-2 in the population, the risk of contracting herpes is significant in those individuals who have multiple sex partners.

   We offer an HSV-2 specific glycoprotein G IgG assay and an HSV-1 specific glycoprotein G IgG in our serology laboratory. Both these tests have high sensitivities and specificities (99% and 98% respectively for HSV-2 and 96% and 97% for HSV-1). Serum levels may take 4-6 weeks to reach their peak with HSV-2 initial infections.

   Studies suggest that many patients seeking care for sexually transmitted disease (STD) are interested in learning their herpes status. These new serological tests can be used as part of the STD workup. This is especially true in pregnant women in their third trimester where the risk of herpes transmission through an infected birth canal is high following genital herpes acquisition.

   1) A negative result indicates that there was no prior exposure to HSV-. A negative result however does not rule out the possibility of recent infection with the serum being tested before the appearance of IgG antibodies. If recent infection is suspected it is recommended that:

  a) The serum sample be tested for the IgM antibodies.

  b) A second sample taken 1-2 weeks later be tested for IgG antibodies to see if seroconversion has occurred.

   A negative serological test does not exclude the possibility of past infection. Following primary HSV infection, antibody may fall to undetectable levels and then be boosted by later clinical infection with the same or heterologous type.

   2) A positive result indicates that there was prior exposure at some undetermined time to  HSV. A low positive or mid positive result is inconclusive in determining recent infection.

   A highly positive result may indicate acute or recent disease.In order to confirm recent infection it is recommended that:

   a) the site of infection be tested for viral isolation.

   b) The serum sample be tested for the IgM antibodies.

   c) A second  sample taken 1-2 weeks later be tested for HSV IgG antibodies to check if seroconversion has occurred.

   3) Specimens showing equivocal results must be retested: if they remain equivocal after repeat testing they should be tested by an alternative serologic procedure.

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