Herpes Simplex Virus I & II (HSV I & II) DNA, PCR

Besides oral and genital herpes, HSV can cause central nervous system disease. HSV infections of the brain can be subdivided into three categories: neonatal HSV infection, a serious consequence of genital herpes, which is usually caused by HSV-II; HSV encephalitis, most commonly caused by HSV-I; and recurrent aseptic meningitis, which is mainly associated with HSV-II. See Also Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) I & II Antibodies, IgG, Serum

Definitive diagnosis of genital herpes infections is fundamental to the management of patients and the development of strategies to prevent transmission to partners and neonates. Amplification and detection of HSV viral DNA by PCR is more sensitive than viral isolation and culture in demonstrating HSV in the genital tract. PCR amplification of HSV DNA in CSF specimens is now the recognized reference standard assay for the sensitive and specific diagnosis of CNS infections caused by HSV.

Genital Swab Room Temperature

Send in transport medium

Negative