Facts About Test For Genital Herpes

2008-12-15 16:14:47

( Pharmeceutical-Medical )



Genital herpes pertain to the infection caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). This is a type of virus which could affect the anus, buttocks and sometimes, even the mouth, lips or the face. If you are infected with this, then here are some information that could enlighten you about the disease.

HOW CAN THE VIRUS INFECT THESE AREA?

The virus could enter a person's body through the cracks in the skin or through the mucous membrane in the mouth or in the genitals. After entering, the virus will attach itself on a host cell and will then destroy the host cell.

In the infection, the virus might also affect the sensory nerve fibers. This would enable the virus to stay near the base of the skull or near the tail of the spinal cord. Therefore, there might be a cycle of infection because the virus will remain there until the person infected is still alive.

The first infection caused by HSV is called the initial or primary episode. This is when the virus enters the sensory nerve fibers and stays there. The other infection is called recurrences because the virus will then send virus particles in the infected site.


TESTS THAT COULD BE DONE TO DIAGNOSE HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS

Diagnosing genital herpes is very important as some infected people do not show symptoms for the infection. Many infected people are not diagnosed properly. The doctors just look for symptoms for the infection and do not check for the presence of HSV. There are some test for genital herpes that could help in you determining the the type of HS virus that infects you and the state of infection you are in.

First test for genital herpes is the cell culture. The doctor get some samples from the infected area and then let the virus multiply so that it would be easier to see the virus under the microscope.

The other one is the direct fluorescent antibody test. The doctor will get antibodies sample for HSV and then mix it with a fluorescent dye. If the virus is present in the solution, the antibodies will attach themselves to the virus.

There are other test for genital herpes. The other types are blood tests and PCR tests. But these tests are not reliable as HSV could be mistaken for something else.

If you are infected with herpes simplex virus, always go for a second opinion from other doctors or go for other tests to ensure that you are diagnosed properly.


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