Identification of HSV1and HSV2 using a single PCR

(Research Use Only)
The Seeplex® HSV2 ACE Detection for auto-capillary electrophoresis system is designed to detect herpes simplex viruse type 1 (HSV1) and HSV2 from patients' samples such as urine, swab (endocervical and urethral swabs).

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common human pathogen around worldwide that causes a variety of diseases. HSV has been characterized into two different serotypes: HSV type 1(HSV1) generally is associated with infections in the tongue, mouth, lips, pharynx, and eys, whereas HSV2 primarily is associated with genital and neonatal infections.

Herpes in Pregnancy
Genital HSV infection in pregnant women must be considered separately from that in non pregnant women because of the risk to the fetus or the new-born("neonate").
Primary or initial maternal genital HSV infection poses a major risk to the fetus if infection occurs during during the second half of pregnancy. Thus, identification of women at risk for primary infection (i.e. those seronegative for HSV-2) is very important.

Diagnosis of HSV infections
There are viral culture and immunoassay for diagnosis of HSV infections. The viral cultrue has traditionally been regarded as the gold standard for diagnosis and quite sensitive. However, it usually takes 2-7 days for the result and requires culture system.
Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and immunofluorescent techniques have a significantly reduced turnaround time with respect to viral culture. However, EIA is much less sensitive diagnostic tool when compared with the case of traditional cell culture. On the other hand, detection of HSV DNA using PCR is more sensitive than both cell culture and EIA and simultaneously detect and type HSV infections.

Possible Complications

-Meningitis
-Encephalitis
-Eczema herpetiform (widespread herpes across the skin)
-Keratoconjunctivitis
-Prolonged, severe infection in immunosuppressed individuals
-Pneumonia
-Infection of the trachea

Background References:
- Tae Y. Choi et al. Korean J Lab Med 2003; 23: 324-8
- D.S. Marshall et al. Mod Pathol 2001;14(3):152-156