Herpes Genitalis

Herpes Genitalis or genital herpes is a STD (Sexually transmitted disease) that is causded by HSV(herpes simplex virus), either HSV1 or HSV2. This disease is taking on increasing proportions, with more women suffering from genital herpes than women. Typically Herpes Genitalis spreads through sexual contact, either vaginal, oral or anal. Kissing and skin contact can also lead to the spread of genital herpes. Genital herpes passes through open sores and wounds. A person infected with herpes genitalis is likely to remain infected throughout his/her life. Most persons suffer recurrent episodes.

Genital herpes leads to painful sores on or around the genital area. There may be itching around these blisters. Men suffering from genital herpes notice sores on the shaft and head of the penis. There may be pain on urination. Women may suffer blisters on the vagina, cervix or innner thighs and develop vaginal discharge. Other symptoms of genital herpes include headache, backache and fever. Herpes genitalis can spread from one part of the body to another.

Genital herpes have been linked to instances of cervical cancer and genital warts. Pregnant women pass on this disease to the newborn. Virus culture of the fluid from the blisters is an indication of genital herpes. Oral medication such as acyclovir, famciclovir, penciclovir and valacyclovir are used in treating herpes genitalis. They are effective in suppresing the symptoms of genital herpes but not in curing the infection. Intravenous treatment is recommended for patients suffering from severe infection of herpes genitalis.

Herpes Blood Test

Blood tests to diagnose the presence of herpes virus antibodies can be done even if the patient does not have any visible symptoms. The standard available tests are not recommended since they are not very accurate. There is a potential for false positive results. A type specific virus culture will give an accurate result only when the sores have not healed. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1) and HSV-2 are the most common viruses diagnosed using type-specific blood tests. There are three methods available to diagnose herpes - Cell Culture, Antigen test and Pap Smear test.

Herpes Western Blot Test: A more sensitive test than the viral culture is the Gold Standard test known as PCR DNA test. This test also known as Herpes Western Blot test, which is rated as an accurate test to identify DNA for viral particles which easily differentiates the two types, viz. type-1 and type-2. This test can be carried out safely during pregnancy. A wide range of antibodies that respond against many herpes simplex virus proteins are tested in Western Blot test.

BIO-KIT or POCKit TEST: Recently, a more accurate POCKit type-specific test has been approved by FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to diagnose herpes simplex virus-2. A doctor's office can do this Point Of Care (POCKit) test and provide results in just 10 minutes. This new test is cost-effective and less time consuming. A positive HSV-2 test result confirms genital infection. Sensitivity in this test is around 96% accurate. Using this test during pregnancy is not approved by FDA.

ELISA ,Immunoblot and IgG type specific Elisa are the other three tests carried out to diagnose HSV-1 & HSV-2 types with the sensitivity ranging from 96% - 100%. Blood drawn from the patient's arm is sent to local labs and the results are available in a fortnight.

Shingles

Shingles (Herpes Zoster) is a viral infection caused by Varicella zoster virus. It is the same virus that causes chicken pox. Shingles can develop in anyone who has had chicken pox. The chicken pox virus often remains dormant in the body's nerve root cells. It may surface years later in the form of shingles. It is likely to occur when the body is weak or stressed or immune defences are low. Shingles is not a contagious condition nor does it lead to cold sores or genital herpes.

Shingles appear as painful blisters. Shingles rashes appear as a cluster of raised red dots on one side of the body. They become filled with fluid and later dry out and form a crust. There is severe pain and sensitivity. Typically these painful blisters appear to affect one part of the body. There may be itching and tingling feeling on the skin before the shingles rashes appear. In cases of shingles where the eye is affected, it is essential to consult an opthalmologist immediately. A patient suffering from shingles may notice fever and headache.

Calamine lotion can be applied to affected areas to soothe the skin. Analgesics or NSAIDs can help in reducing pain. Antiviral medications are often prescribed for shingles. An attack of shingles might last for about a month.