Eurofins Biomnis code

HERHN

Specialty

Infectious

Clinical significance

The herpes simplex viruses have a tropism for skin (where they cause vesicles), the mucosae (gingivostomatitis and genital herpes), the eye (conjunctivitis and keratitis) and the central nervous system (meningitis and meningoencephalitis). Primary infection is often asymptomatic or atypical but subsequently the virus can persist in the body in a latent state. Reactivation often but not always takes the form of the classic "cold sore". Congenital herpes is dangerous for new-borns but it can occur if the mother has a genital eruption during pregnancy or delivery (especially if the infection is a primary one).Direct diagnosis from a smear prepared from the lesion is possible and monoclonal antibodies exist to type the virus rapidly. The virus is easy to isolate and this gives both a definitive diagnosis and also the possibility of testing its sensitivity to antiviral drugs.Viral DNA can be detected in CSF by PCR assay which is very useful in highly localized nervous system infections. This technique could also be relevant to diagnosing genital herpes.Serological analysis can be used to diagnose primary infection by demonstrating either seroconversion or the presence of IgM antibodies. Later, IgG antibodies persist for a long time and their levels do not significantly change during reactivation or recrudescence.

Preanalytics

• 1 mL :
• serum
•   Reftrigerated

• A tube specifically for this analysis : No

Further information

Storage temperature (2-8°C) < 7 days during transport of specimen.

Methodology

Chemiluminescence

Turnaround time

3 days