Is blood testing for genital herpes accurate?

Written by Luo Hong
Dermatology Department
Updated on September 05, 2024
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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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Written by Xie Ming Feng
Dermatology
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Can genital herpes be completely cured?

Genital herpes is a chronic, recurrent, and difficult to cure sexually transmitted disease caused by the infection of the herpes simplex virus in the urogenital and perianal skin and mucous membranes. Currently, there is a lack of drugs in clinical practice that can kill the herpes simplex virus, and also a lack of methods to kill the virus, therefore genital herpes cannot be completely cured.

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Written by Luo Hong
Dermatology Department
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How is genital herpes tested?

Herpes viruses are generally divided into two types, type 1 and type 2 genital herpes, mainly caused by type 2 herpes virus. The best approach for type 2 herpes virus is to use blister fluid for PCR testing of DNA. If testing is not possible, you can also consider blood tests for herpes virus antibodies. If the IGM for type 2 herpes virus is positive, then consider it a current symptomatic infection. If the IGM is negative, but HCG is positive, then consider this herpes as a past infection.

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Dermatology
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Can people with genital herpes get married?

Currently, there is no law in the country stating that individuals with genital herpes cannot get married. Therefore, people with genital herpes can marry. However, we strongly advise that patients should inform their prospective spouses about their condition truthfully and clearly, in order to gain their understanding and cooperation and to avoid potential problems in future marital life.

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Written by Wang Zhi Guo
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Are genital herpes and shingles caused by the same virus?

Genital herpes and shingles are caused by different viruses. Genital herpes is an infection with the herpes simplex virus, most often type 2 and in rare cases type 1; the causative agent of shingles is the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox, hence the two viruses are completely different. Another important characteristic is that herpes simplex virus infections tend to recur, especially during periods of low immunity, fever, or fatigue, whereas varicella-zoster virus infection can provide lasting immunity, with most people experiencing it only once in their lifetime, and only a very few with low immunity experiencing it more than once.

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Dermatology
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What are the transmission routes of genital herpes?

Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 infection, with the primary transmission route being sexual contact. However, some patients can also be infected through contact with contaminated clothing or through activities like bathing, swimming, or staying in hotels, although these methods have a relatively lower chance of transmission. Once infected with genital herpes, it generally persists for life and cannot be completely eradicated. Antiviral medications such as valacyclovir can be used during outbreaks, and topical acyclovir ointment can be applied locally. Regular exercise and consuming medications that enhance the immune system can help reduce the recurrence of this disease. If one frequently stays up late or consumes spicy and irritative food, the likelihood of recurrence increases. Moreover, this disease is highly contagious during outbreaks and can be transmitted to others through sexual contact.