Herpes Simplex Virus ELISA - HSV I IgM

Enzyme Immunoassay for the Detection of IGM Antibodies to Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) in Serum

FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. NOT FOR USE IN DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES

SUMMARY
Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), also known as human herpesvirus 1 and 2 (HHV-1 and HHV-2), are two members of the herpesvirus family, Herpesviridae, that infect humans. Both HSV-1 (which produces most cold sores) and HSV-2 (which produces most genital herpes) are ubiquitous and contagious. They can be spread when an infected person is producing and shedding the virus. Herpes simplex can be spread through contact with saliva, such as sharing drinks. Symptoms of herpes simplex virus infection include watery blisters in the skin or mucous membranes of the mouth, lips or genitals. Lesions heal with a scab characteristic of herpetic disease. Sometimes, the viruses cause very mild or atypical symptoms during outbreaks. However, as neurotropic and neuroinvasive viruses, HSV-1 and -2 persist in the body by becoming latent and hiding from the immune system in the cell bodies of neurons. After the initial or primary infection, some infected people experience sporadic episodes of viral reactivation or outbreaks. In an outbreak, the virus in a nerve cell becomes active and is transported via the neuron's axon to the skin, where virus replication and shedding occur and cause new sores. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections.

PRINCIPLE OF THE TEST
Purified HSV-1 antigen is coated on the surface of microwells. Diluted serum sample is added to the wells, and the HSV-1 IgM- specific antibody, if present, binds to the antigen. All unbound materials are washed away. HRP-conjugate is added, which binds to the antibody-antigen complex. Excess HRP-conjugate is washed off and a solution of TMB Reagent is added. The enzyme conjugate catalytic reaction is stopped at a specific time. The intensity of the color generated is proportional to the amount of HSV-1 IgM-specific antibody in the sample. The results are read by a microwell reader compared in a parallel manner with calibrator and controls.