HSV-1 IgM and HSV-1 IgG Rapid Tests

One-step Herpes Simplex Virus Serum Test

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1) IgM test cassette and HSV-1 IgG test cassette are two types of serum test devices, which are used to respectively detect the IgM and IgG antibodies in human serum or plasma samples. These two HSV-1 screening test are intended to screen the samples of the patient. For the positive testing results with any of the HSV-1 antibody test, more complex quantitative test must be performed before any clinical conclusion is made.

Clinical Meanings of HSV-1 Serum Test

HSV-1 is the cause of most orofacial herpes and HSV encephalitis. The detection of HSV-1 IgM antibody enables effective diagnosis of acute or recent HSV-1 infection. HSV-1 serum testing is particularly useful for the follow-up of pregnant women, who were not previously exposed to HSV-1 and consequently are not protected against the virus. In addition, determination of specific IgM antibody in the newborn is useful for the diagnosis of congenital HSV-1 infection.

The presence of HSV-1 IgG antibody in serum is an indication of previous exposure. A significant increase in HSV IgG is an indication of reactivation, current or recent infection.

HSV-1 Rapid Test Principle

HSV-1 IgM cassette and HSV-1 IgG cassette are of the same testing principle. Take the first as example. Based on the principle of Gold Immuno-chromatography Assay (GICA), anti-human HSV-1 IgM monoclonal antibody and recombinant HSV-1 IgM antigen are used to detect HSV-1 IgM with high sensitivity and specificity in serum specimen. When the sample added contains HSV-1 IgM, this antibody will act with anti-human HSV-1 IgM monoclonal antibody in the membrane strip. These complexes move along the membrane strip chromatographically to the test region (T), where these complexes will be captured by the pre-coated recombinant HSV-1 antigen. A complex of double sandwich structure will form, and a red or pink line will appear in the test region, indicating a positive result. The unbounded complex moves on to the control region (C), where they are captured by the anti-mouse antibody, and a red line will appear, indicating the assay is a valid one. In this way, the control line provides an inner quality control mechanism.