Abstract
Herpes Simplex Virus Type-Specific Serology: Where Does it Fit in the Diagnostic Armamentarium?
Highlights
With data supporting the use of suppressive antiviral therapy to reduce transmission of herpes simplex virus (HSV) between discordant couples [1], and with the availability of more sensitive and specific serological assays, there has been increasing emphasis on accurate diagnosis of HSV infection in an effort to control the genital herpes epidemic
HSV type-specific serology (TSS) uses commercially available tests that have the ability to accurately differentiate or ‘type’ antibody responses generated by HSV type 1 (HSV-1) from HSV type 2 (HSV-2) infection
If the overall prevalence of HSV-2 antibodies in pregnant women in Newfoundland and Labrador is 6%, the positive predictive value (PPV) of this test is only 61%
Summary
With data supporting the use of suppressive antiviral therapy to reduce transmission of herpes simplex virus (HSV) between discordant couples [1], and with the availability of more sensitive and specific serological assays, there has been increasing emphasis on accurate diagnosis of HSV infection in an effort to control the genital herpes epidemic. The rationale for serological testing is to identify asymptomatic HSV infection. HSV serology was unhelpful because it could not accurately differentiate antibodies to HSV-2 (almost exclusively as a result of genital herpes) from HSV-1 (predominantly generated in response to an orolabial infection).
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