HSV, HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS(QUALITATIVE),PCR

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV 1) causes fever blisters on & around the lips. These are also called cold sores. These are tiny fluid filled blisters which break to form scabs & heal after 2 to 3 weeks. Cold sores spread from person to person by close contact such as kissing. Apart from the sore, you may also have fever, sore throat, pain in gums & headache. Less commonly Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV 2) can cause the same cold sores. Children less than 5 years of age can develop these blisters inside their mouth. You can have recurrence of blisters due to HSV but the severity is less as compared to the first time infection. HSV 1 can also affect the brain causing encephalitis. This is a confirmatory test to detect the DNA of HSV 1.