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🧪 What is HSV-1 IgM?

HSV-1 IgM is a blood test that detects IgM antibodies produced in response to a recent or acute infection with Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1.

IgM antibodies appear early (usually within 7–10 days) after infection or reactivation.
IgM may also be positive during recurrences of latent HSV-1.

❓ Why is the Test Done?

To:

Detect primary (initial) infection with HSV-1
Evaluate recent onset of cold sores, oral lesions, or fever blisters
Investigate neurological symptoms (e.g., suspected HSV encephalitis)
Assist in prenatal screening or risk assessment for HSV transmission to newborns

📊 Normal Range / Reference Values

Result	Interpretation
Negative (<0.9 Index)	No active or recent HSV-1 infection
Equivocal (0.9–1.1 Index)	Borderline – suggest retesting after 1–2 weeks
Positive (>1.1 Index)	Suggests recent or reactivated HSV-1 infection

Reference values can vary by lab method (Index, S/CO).

📈 Interpretation of Results

Result	Meaning
Positive HSV-1 IgM	Likely recent HSV-1 infection, reactivation, or early primary infection
Negative HSV-1 IgM	No active infection; could still have past infection if IgG is positive
IgM positive + symptoms	Supports clinical diagnosis of active oral herpes or cold sores
IgM positive, IgG negative	Very early infection – retesting in 2–4 weeks may show IgG seroconversion

🧠 Associated Organs & Conditions

Organ/System	Conditions
Skin/Lips	Cold sores, oral ulcers (Herpes labialis)
Central Nervous System	HSV-1 Encephalitis (life-threatening)
Eyes	Herpes keratitis (may cause corneal damage)
Rare	Can cause genital lesions via oral-genital contact

🔄 Related / Follow-Up Tests

HSV-1 IgG – For assessing past infection or immunity
HSV-2 IgG/IgM – Rule out or confirm HSV-2 involvement
HSV PCR (swab from lesion) – Confirms active viral shedding
Lumbar puncture + HSV PCR (CSF) – If HSV encephalitis is suspected
TORCH panel – Prenatal screening
HIV test – As co-infection risk may be elevated in HSV-positive patients

✅ Fasting Required?

Test	Fasting Requirement
HSV-1 IgM	❌ No fasting required – Can be done anytime

📝 Summary Table

Parameter	Details
What	Detects IgM antibodies indicating recent or reactivated HSV-1 infection
Why	Diagnose early infection or recurrence of oral herpes (cold sores), encephalitis suspicion
Normal Range	Negative (<0.9 Index)
Positive Result	Recent or active HSV-1 infection
Follow-up Tests	HSV-1 IgG, HSV PCR (swab), CSF PCR, TORCH
Associated Conditions	Cold sores, HSV encephalitis, keratitis
Fasting Required	❌ No

Herpes Simplex Virus I (HSV)-IgM

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