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Herpes Simplex Virus – Symptoms, tests and facts

What is Herpes Simplex Virus?

Herpes Simplex Virus is a virus which causes the infection Herpes Simplex, which found in two types – HSV1 and HSV2.

Facts about Herpes Simplex Virus that one should know.

Herpes simplex virus symptoms:

The symptoms of Herpes Simplex are occurrence of painful sores or blisters around the affected region. Cold sores over the mouth are caused by the first virus type HSV1 and the second virus type HSV2 is more responsible for herpes genital.

Its mode of transmission and how it enters human body :

A Herpes Simplex Virus enters the body not through simple skin contact but through mucous membranes which is present near eyes, sexual body parts, mouth. HSV1 causes cold sores on the lips, generally spread by kissing or sharing eating utensils during the infection. With time, this infection may even spread to one’s genital area as well.

The common reason for being infected by HSV2 is said to be sexual contact in adulthood and in some rare cases the infection is said to spread to other body parts like eyes and brain. A pregnant mother if infected by herpes genital may pass on the infection to the delivered baby.

Once the virus enters your body it never leaves, but shows it sign of outbursts occasionally. The only cure that remains for this infection is treating those outbursts. People getting infected by it by their partners may not see the symptoms in their partners as it may be in its dormant stage, but it successfully makes a human as its carrier.

Tests and diagnostic confirmation of herpes virus:

To detect Herpes Simplex Virus, tests are conducted by examining the sores on the body parts. Other tests include taking samples of blood, urine, spinal fluid or tears. The herpes viral culture test may also be conducted wherein fluids or cells from the blisters are collected onto a cotton swab and put into a culture cup; it is then tested for the herpes infection and gives specific results especially for detecting herpes genital.

When the infection spreads besides the usual spots to other body parts like brain, the Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is conducted. In this test the cells or fluids from blisters or blood or the spinal fluid is taken to find the genetic material of the HSV virus.

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