HSV-2 (genital herpes)

HSV-2 (genital herpes) Overview

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the primary cause of genital herpes and causes a lifelong infection characterized by periodic reactivation of painful genital ulcers after an initial exposure. HSV-2 is routinely included in STI panels for patients with genital ulcers because accurate diagnosis enables appropriate antiviral therapy, which can reduce outbreak frequency and transmission risk to partners (CDC 2024b, Workowski et al. 2021).

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024b). Genital herpes – CDC detailed fact sheet.

Workowski, K. A., Bachmann, L. H., Chan, P. A., Johnston, C. M., Muzny, C. A., Park I., Reno, H., Jonathan M. Zenilman J.M.,Bolan, G. A. (2021). Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recommendations and Reports, 70(4), 1–187.

Products used to detect HSV-2 (genital herpes)

STI PCR Panel – Large

Large panel (8-37 targets), Sexually Transmitted

The STI large PCR panel is designed for multiplex in vitro assessment of 9 common microbiota typically associated with transmission by sexual activity, using real-time PCR.

Women’s Health PCR Panel – Large

Large panel (8-37 targets), Women's Health

The women’s health large PCR panel is designed for multiplex in vitro assessment of 37 common vaginal microbiota and resistance markers, using real-time PCR.