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Herpes Simplex Virus I (HSV) - IgM

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No Fasting Required

Details

Detects IgM antibodies specific to: HSV-1: Commonly causes oral herpes (cold sores)

₹249₹385

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HSV-1 IgM Test Information Guide

  • Herpes Simplex Virus I (HSV)-IgM
    • Why is it done?
      • Detects IgM antibodies produced during primary or acute HSV-1 infection
      • Identifies newly acquired HSV-1 infection to differentiate from recurrent infections
      • Diagnoses acute herpes simplex keratitis, gingivostomatitis, or encephalitis
      • Confirms HSV-1 as causative agent in patients with acute clinical symptoms
      • Performed during early phase of infection when IgM antibodies are present (typically within first 2 weeks)
      • Assists in epidemiological tracking and outbreak investigations
    • Normal Range
      • Normal Result: Negative or <1.10 Index Value (varies by laboratory)
      • Positive Result: ≥1.10 Index Value or positive antibody titer (indicates recent or primary infection)
      • Units of Measurement: Index Value (S/CO) or Antibody Titer ratio; expressed as negative/positive or numerical index
      • Borderline/Equivocal Range: 0.90-1.10 Index Value may require repeat testing or confirmation with HSV-2 IgM
      • Normal (Negative) means: No detectable IgM antibodies; no evidence of acute or recent primary HSV-1 infection
      • Abnormal (Positive) means: IgM antibodies detected; suggests acute primary HSV-1 infection or early reactivation
    • Interpretation
      • Positive IgM Result: Indicates primary or acute HSV-1 infection; patient is in early phase of infection with active viral replication; typical presentation includes fever, oral ulcers, pharyngitis, or vesicular rash
      • Negative IgM Result: No acute or recent primary HSV-1 infection detected; patient either uninfected, has chronic/latent infection, or test performed after IgM window closes (>3-4 weeks post-infection)
      • IgM Positive + IgG Negative: Strong evidence of primary HSV-1 infection; first episode with no prior exposure
      • IgM Positive + IgG Positive: May indicate recurrent infection or reactivation; however, IgM can persist or be reactivated with HSV reactivation
      • IgM Negative + IgG Positive: Chronic or latent HSV-1 infection; previous exposure with immunity; recurrent infection not currently acute
      • Factors Affecting Results: • Timing of blood draw relative to symptom onset (IgM typically present 1-2 weeks after infection onset) • Cross-reactivity with HSV-2 possible with some assays • Immunocompromised patients may have delayed or absent IgM response • False positives rare but possible with certain laboratory methods • Pregnancy status may affect interpretation in context of maternal-fetal transmission
      • Clinical Significance: Positive result warrants antiviral therapy initiation; important for differentiating acute from recurrent infection; critical in neonatal cases to guide treatment decisions
    • Associated Organs
      • Primary Organ Systems: • Integumentary system (skin): Vesicular rash, ulcerations • Oral cavity and pharynx: Gingivostomatitis, pharyngitis • Mucous membranes: Genital, oral, and ocular lesions • Nervous system: Encephalitis, meningitis • Ocular system: Keratitis, conjunctivitis
      • Medical Conditions Associated with Abnormal Results: • Acute primary HSV-1 infection (first episode) • Herpetic gingivostomatitis (severe oral infection) • Herpes labialis (cold sores) in primary infection • Herpes simplex encephalitis • Herpetic keratitis/corneal ulceration • Disseminated HSV-1 infection • Neonatal herpes simplex (from maternal transmission)
      • Diseases Diagnosed/Monitored: • Primary herpes simplex infection • Acute herpetic keratitis • Aseptic meningitis/encephalitis caused by HSV-1 • Erythema multiforme triggered by HSV-1 • Atypical presentations of HSV-1
      • Potential Complications/Risks of Acute Infection: • Severe systemic infection in immunocompromised patients • HSV encephalitis (high mortality if untreated) • Disseminated disease in neonates or immunocompromised patients • Secondary bacterial superinfection of lesions • Permanent corneal scarring from untreated keratitis • Chronic pain and post-herpetic neuralgia • Vertical transmission risk during pregnancy/delivery
    • Follow-up Tests
      • Recommended Additional Testing: • HSV-1 IgG antibody: To assess for chronic infection and immunity • HSV-2 IgM/IgG: To differentiate between HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection • HSV culture or PCR: For direct viral detection and typing confirmation • Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA) testing: For rapid HSV identification • Tzanck smear: For cytological confirmation of HSV infection
      • When CNS Involvement Suspected: • CSF HSV-1 PCR (gold standard for HSV encephalitis) • Lumbar puncture with cerebral spinal fluid analysis • Brain MRI or CT imaging • EEG if seizures or altered mental status present
      • When Ocular Infection Suspected: • HSV-1 PCR from ocular specimens • Ophthalmologic examination • Slit-lamp examination for corneal involvement
      • When Neonatal Infection Suspected: • HSV-1/2 PCR from neonatal blood, CSF, and swabs • Maternal HSV serology • Neonatal HSV-1 IgM (though often negative in neonates)
      • Monitoring Frequency: • IgM testing valid only during acute phase (first 2-4 weeks); repeat testing after acute phase generally not useful • IgG testing recommended 2-4 weeks after initial testing if primary infection suspected • For immunocompromised patients: Consider HSV PCR for ongoing monitoring
      • Related/Complementary Tests: • HSV-1 PCR (provides rapid confirmation) • HSV-1/2 IgG by Western blot (reference standard) • Nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) • Viral culture (confirmatory but slower) • Bacterial culture of lesions (to rule out secondary infection)
    • Fasting Required?
      • Fasting Requirement: No
      • Fasting Duration: Not applicable; fasting is not required for HSV-1 IgM serology
      • Special Instructions: • No special dietary restrictions • No fasting period required • Standard blood draw procedures apply
      • Medications to Avoid: • No specific medications need to be held for this test • Antiviral medications (acyclovir, valacyclovir) do not interfere with antibody detection • Continue all regular medications as prescribed
      • Patient Preparation: • Inform healthcare provider of acute symptoms timing • Report any current medications including antivirals • Notify clinician if immunocompromised • No special preparation needed beyond standard blood draw procedures • Timing of test important: preferably within first 2 weeks of symptom onset
      • Sample Collection: • Standard serum sample via venipuncture (5-10 mL) • Allow blood to clot completely • Separate serum into sterile tube • Label with patient identification and collection date/time • Room temperature storage acceptable for short periods • Refrigerate if delay anticipated

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