Is genital herpes serology accurate?

Written by Luo Hong
Dermatology Department
Updated on September 03, 2024
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Serological testing for genital herpes in hospitals generally provides testing for type 1 and type 2 viruses, including IgM and IgG. Over 90% of genital herpes cases are primarily caused by type 2 virus, so the focus is typically on type 2 virus IgG and IgM. However, IgM represents an active infection, meaning a current infection stage. If IgM is negative and IgG is positive, it indicates a past infection. These results are generally accurate, but their timeliness is not as high as DNA's timeliness. Therefore, if possible, it is best to collect vesicle fluid on the first or second day of a herpes outbreak and use PCR to test the DNA for the most accurate results.

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Written by Luo Hong
Dermatology Department
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Is blood testing for genital herpes accurate?

Genital herpes testing, blood tests generally reflect antibodies, which have a certain window period. If genital herpes has just occurred, and blisters have just formed, it is very possible that the antibodies are still negative, but the disease has already manifested. Or, the genital herpes may have healed, but the antibodies are positive. Therefore, blood tests can generally only diagnose past infections and are not very accurate for current infections. Thus, the best method for testing genital herpes is to collect blister fluid for DNA testing using PCR methods when blisters are present. This approach is the most accurate, while blood tests can only serve as a reference.

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Can people with genital herpes eat seafood?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by herpes simplex virus infection. The transmission routes mainly include sexual contact, close living contact, and mother-to-child transmission. Clinically, genital herpes primarily presents as clusters of erythema and blisters on the external genitals, with local burning and stabbing sensations. Initial outbreaks of genital herpes may include significant systemic symptoms such as fatigue and fever. After diagnosing genital herpes, antiviral medications like acyclovir are the first choice. In terms of diet, it is necessary to avoid spicy and irritating foods, pay attention to rest, and enhance immunity. Eating seafood is not a problem and does not affect the recovery and prognosis of genital herpes.

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What are the symptoms of genital herpes?

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by herpes simplex virus infection, mainly by type 2 genital herpes virus. It commonly occurs in the genital area or the perineum. The skin lesions primarily appear as initial red papules, which rapidly develop into isolated or clustered vesicles, accompanied by secondary infections that can lead to pustules, erosions, crusts, and even ulcers. Clinically, the symptoms include varying degrees of itchiness or burning sensation. A minority of individuals may also experience swelling and tenderness of local lymph nodes, along with low fever, headache, or general symptoms.

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How to completely cure genital herpes virus?

Genital herpes is a chronic, recurrent, and difficult-to-cure sexually transmitted disease caused by the infection of the urinary and genital mucous membranes and perianal skin by the herpes simplex virus. Currently, there are no drugs or methods in clinical practice that can completely eliminate the herpes simplex virus, so the genital herpes virus cannot be completely killed, and genital herpes cannot be completely cured.

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Can the genital herpes virus appear in the mouth?

Genital herpes virus refers to the herpes simplex virus, which is divided into Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 virus mainly causes infections of the skin and mucous membranes outside the genital and anal regions, but infections can also be caused by Type 2 virus. Type 2 virus primarily causes infections of the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals and anal area, although a minority of cases can also be caused by Type 1 virus. When herpes simplex virus Type 1 or Type 2 infects the mouth, it can lead to herpetic gingivostomatitis and herpetic pharyngitis.