What Tests Accurately Identify Genital Herpes?

Posted on Fri, 8 Mar 2019

Question: What test for genital Herpes is most accurate. The antibody test or the blood PCR test.
I know someone who has tested positive for HSV type one and type two. If you have antibodies does that mean you actively have the disease. Would the blood PCR test identify if you currently have the virus/ DNA?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:

Regarding genital herpes

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

A PCR for herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA done on a blood sample is not a reliable test for diagnosis of genital herpes.

It may not be positive even in cases who have an active clinical episode of genital sores.

Genital herpes is a local infection and even though a PCR on a sample from genital sores is considered a gold standard test for diagnosis of Genital Herpes (equivalent to virus culture) but PCR for HSV DNA on a blood sample is not.

PCR on a blood sample is only indicated in cases suspected of disseminated herpes simplex virus infection or herpes encephalitis.

Presence of antibodies against HSV indicates an immune response to the virus and they may be detectable in those with an active episode of genital herpes as well as in clinically silent genital herpes.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Kakkar S., Dermatologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Thank you Dr. Kakkar.
My follow up question to all of this is stated below...

If you test positive for antibodies, IGg, what does that tell you? Does it tell you that you 've been exposed and your immune system has developed antibodies, but you may not have the disease or you do have the disease.

Thank you..

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:

Regarding herpes

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Antibodies against herpes simplex virus (HSV) tells that you definitely have an infection with the virus and antibody against it is part of the immune response trying to limit the virus.

However, the virus once it enters the body, it stays forever. Antibodies don't eradicate the infection from the body.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Kakkar S., Dermatologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (7 hours later)

Thank you! I have been doing research on line about Herpes Virus. I have seen several situations in which a person consumes a raw fruit and vegetable diet along with superfoods like ACAI, MACA Powder, Lucama Powder, Gogi Berries, Hemp Seeds, and Camu Camu powder for about 30 days. Once you detox, and get the virus from hiding behind heavy meatals, you consume 100% Hand Made Mediterranean Oregeno Oil (diluted) applying the oil in certain areas on the body. Within six months time you can be healed. I have nothing to loose but everything to gain.

What are your thoughts about the aforementioned above? Do you think this could work?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:

Regarding herpes

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

No. I don't think that it would work. Please don't try it.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Kakkar S., Dermatologist

Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar