Article

Herpes simplex virus (HSV)

Complications of an often overlooked infection

Affecting almost half the worldwide population, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) may pose a serious threat to immunocompromised patients and pregnant women.¹

Transmission of HSV most often occurs without symptoms.¹ HSV-1 is spread through oral-to-oral contact and primarily causes cold sores, while HSV-2 is transmitted almost entirely through sexual contact, causing genital herpes² (symptoms may include fever, itching, burning, and trouble urinating). However, as the majority of these infections are asymptomatic or unrecognized—up to 90% of patients with genital herpes may be undiagnosed—patient management remains a challenge.³

This is especially true for vulnerable patient groups. Transplant recipients and patients with a compromised immune system, for example, are more susceptible to severe manifestations of HSV infection and may be slower to respond to therapy.⁴ Additionally, pregnant women risk transmitting the virus to the fetus or child which can cause significant disease and even death in infants.⁵

Adult patients with untreated infections may experience numerous complications, from increased risk of contracting other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)—including HIV—to bladder problems, meningitis, and rectal inflammation.⁶ The active infection can also have a significant negative impact upon a person’s mental wellness and personal relationships.

Correct monitoring and access to treatment can help lower the risk of spreading the HSV infection, underscoring the need for reliable diagnostic testing.

The importance of the right diagnostic approach in HSV testing

Laboratories play an important role in identifying and informing patient management decisions that may reduce recurrence and limit transmission of the virus.

Several testing options are available for diagnosing an HSV infection, including a combination of serological and virologic techniques. However, molecular testing using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology is regarded as the most sensitive methodology to directly detect HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Since the type of infection affects prognosis and subsequent counseling, type-specific testing to distinguish HSV-1 from HSV-2 is recommended.

Given HSV’s potential for being overlooked during clinical diagnoses, its growing worldwide prevalence, and the access to effective antiviral therapy, rapid and accurate laboratory diagnosis is a necessity.

Efficiently identifying HSV infections with innovation

Providing clinicians with high value information requires the right mix of technology. To help laboratories meet the demands of customers and communities, Roche developed an array of serology and molecular assays to guide testing and result interpretation.

Using type-specific HSV-1 and HSV-2 serology tests, laboratories can inform proper development of strategies to prevent transmission to partners and neonates, and assist healthcare professionals in counselling patients and managing the disease.⁷ For direct detection of viral agents, Roche offers an innovative dual-target HSV NAT/PCR assay. These run on fully automated systems. The detection of multiple targets allows for simultaneous detection and differentiation from one sample, while absolute automation allows laboratories to significantly streamline HSV workflows compared to traditional culture.

By reducing costs, improving turnaround times, and increasing walk-away time through automation, laboratories can redirect more resources to other value-added work. This level of efficiency can elevate the organizational role of a laboratory, give healthcare professionals the reliable results they need, and ensure patients get the timely answers they deserve.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV)

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