Tests for Herpes Simplex Virus Types

Type-specific enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) tests for herpes simplex virus can distinguish between HSV-1 and HSV-2, the first HSV ELISA test systems to be cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with this capability.

The tests have been developed using affinity purified HSV type-specific glycoprotein G (gG) antigens that exclude the extensive antigenic cross-reactivity seen with most HSV serology tests. In clinical testing, the tests compared well to the serologic gold standard, Western Blot. Type HSV-1 IgG offers sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 96%. The sensitivity of type-specific HSV-2 IgG is 98% and the specificity is 97%.

Type-specific HSV products feature the convenience of ready-to-use, color-coded reagents with breakaway microwells. Both kits are designed for automated and manual use. The assays have a unique color change sample detection system.

The HSV tests are from Meridian Diagnostics (Cincinnati, OH, USA). The company also recently released a bacteriuria detection system called FiltraCheck-UTI, a disposable test for the rapid detection of bacteria in urine as a guide to the diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI).