Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) causes oral and genital herpes infections.

IgM antibodies appear early during infection, indicating recent or active HSV infection.

IgG antibodies develop later and persist, indicating past exposure or chronic infection.

Clinical uses include:

Diagnosing acute HSV infection (IgM).

Identifying previous exposure or immunity (IgG).

Differentiating HSV‑1 (oral herpes) from HSV‑2 (genital herpes).

Supporting management of recurrent herpes infections.

Often performed in patients with oral/genital lesions, suspected viral meningitis, or pregnancy screening.

Analyte: IgG and IgM antibodies to HSV‑1 and HSV‑2 in serum.

Normal Result: Negative for both IgG and IgM.

Abnormal Findings:

Positive IgM: Indicates recent or active HSV infection.

Positive IgG: Indicates past exposure or chronic infection.

Both positive: Suggests ongoing infection with prior exposure.

Clinical Use:

Provides a serological marker for HSV infection status.

Helps guide treatment decisions and counseling.

Supports screening in pregnancy to prevent neonatal herpes transmission.