Definition - What does Herpes Simplex Virus Types 1 And 2 IgM Antibody mean?
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a virus responsible for causing cold sores and the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the virus that causes genital herpes. The herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 IgM antibody (HSV-1/2 Ab) is the substance looked for in tests to determine the presence of the herpes virus in an individual that has been recently exposed, or suspected to have been exposed. Exposure to type 1 herpes is most likely for those working in medical fields, such as doctors, nurses and dentists, where coming into contact with herpes sores is more likely. Herpes testing may be part of general workplace preventative health services.
SureHire explains Herpes Simplex Virus Types 1 And 2 IgM Antibody
The herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 IgM antibody is useful for the molecular detection of the HSV virus and determining whether a patient has been exposed to both types of HSV, 1 and 2. The ImG antibody is also useful to distinguish between the two types of virus in patients with unrecognized or undistinguished HSV infection. Both HSV types belong to the Herpesviridae family and produce infections that can range from stomatitis to a fatal disease.
Conditions associated with the virus include
- gingivostomatitis
- keratitis
- encephalitis
- vesicular skin eruptions
- aseptic meningitis
- neonatal herpes
- genital tract infections
- disseminated primary infection
