Herpesviruses

Clinical information

Herpes simplex virus types -1 and -2 (HSV-2 and HSV-2) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) are human pathogenic viruses from the Herpesviridae family that occur worldwide. The closely related human pathogenic virus species HSV-1 and HSV-2 from the herpesviridae family are the causative agents of different diseases. The infections can be asymptomatic, mild, or severe. The most common manifestations are herpes labialis (lip herpes) and herpes genitalis, also rarely herpes encephalitis or herpes neonatorum in severe cases. In primary infections the virus penetrates the mucosal cells, multiplies and is released in ulcers or inflammatory skin blisters. Infections persist lifelong, alternating between asymptomatic phases and acute infectious outbreaks. Primary VZV infections manifest as varicella (chickenpox). They are transmitted via virus-containing blister fluid, conjunctival liquid and saliva and are a very infectious children’s disease. After first manifestation the virus establishes latency in sensory nerve cells and can subsequently reactivate to cause herpes zoster (shingles) as second manifestation. Typical symptoms are painful and/or itching dermatomal exanthema, pains and sensory disorders. Asymptomatic courses have also been described. In severe cases, complications such as pneumonia, hepatitis or post-zoster neuralgia can occur.

Diagnostics

The EUROArray HSV-1/-2 VZV provides direct detection and differentiation of HSV-1, HSV-2 and VZV from skin, buccal and genital swabs. It allows fast and easy differentiation of the pathogens even in cases of virtually identical clinical pictures (e.g. eczema herpeticum vs. varicella or herpes simplex vs. herpes zoster). Moreover, the assay allows to differentiate herpes infections from other dermatoses with similar clinical manifestations (e.g. fungal infections, fixed drug eruption, contact dermatitis) Data analysis, data interpretation and archiving are done completely automated by means of the EUROArrayScan software.

The EURORealTime HSV-1/2 provides detection ad quantification of HSV-1 and HSV-2 DNA by means of real-time PCR from swabs, CSF and EDTA plasma. Raw data analysis, evaluation, reporting and archiving of the test results can be performed fully automatically using the EURORealTime Analysis software. Standard curves for automated quantification of the viral load can be stored in the software and re-used.

Besides the assays for molecular genetic diagnostics, EUROIMMUN also offers a wide range of products for the detection of antibodies against herpes viruses.