Herpes Simplex Virus (Hsv) Type 1 IgG Antibodies

The Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) antibody test identifies whether a person has ever been infected with the herpes simplex virus. It's a medical test that checks for specific antibodies in your system.

Antibodies are proteins produced by your immune system to combat specific infections, most commonly bacteria and viruses. This test determines whether you have antibodies to HSV-1 or HSV-2, the two types of herpes viruses.

Approximately 15 to 20 days after you are initially infected, your body starts producing two types of HSV-1 or HSV-2 antibodies. These are referred to as Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies.

The most frequent type of antibody is IgG, whereas IgM is the first type of antibody your body produces when you come into contact with a bacteria or virus. Blood and other body fluids include both of these antibodies.

The most advanced variants of HSV antibodies testing can distinguish between prior HSV-1 and HSV-2 exposure.

The herpes simplex virus is transmitted via direct exposure to the virus. This can occur during intercourse or childbirth. If you are infected with HSV before you are born, it can have serious consequences. Although the likelihood of transferring it while pregnant is slim, it may result in disability and death if it does get transferred.

When your doctor intends to diagnose a current infection, the herpes antibodies test is not suggested. In this scenario, the best resorts are to take a specimen from you and culture the infection or use a method called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to look for the virus's DNA.

If a PCR test reveals an active infection, your doctor may recommend antiviral medicine to help avoid outbreaks or reduce their intensity. Famciclovir, Valacyclovir, and Acyclovir are examples of some standard antiviral drugs.

In the case of a current infection, your physician may or may not order HSV antibodies testing in addition to the other tests. However, they are more likely to suggest the Herpes Antibodies test for other purposes, such as:

• If you have repeated symptoms but negative active test outcomes 
• If you are recently infected but haven't noticed any signs yet 
• You are expecting a child or attempting to conceive 
• You either have HIV or are at significant risk of contracting it

Apollo 24|7’s Herpes Simplex Virus Antibodies Test aids in the effective detection of HSV-1 or HSV-2 antibodies in your blood—usually the IgG antibody but occasionally the IgM type.

These tests only reveal whether you've been exposed to HSV-1 or HSV-2 earlier. This does not rule out the possibility of HSV triggering any present symptoms, as the exposure may have occurred years ago. If you're concerned about a potential infection, you may repeat the herpes antibodies test roughly 21 days later to ensure your body has had sufficient time to build antibodies.

HSV antibodies testing has the potential to produce false-positive results. To validate the results, you may choose to retake the test or attempt other types of testing. 

Medically reviewed by Dr. Surya Narayan Mohanty, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Apollo Hospitals Old Sainik School Road, Bhubaneswar