Methods of Paraclinical Tests for Genital Herpes Simplex Infection

Based on Subsection 2.2, Section 2 of the Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Herpes Simplex (Issued together with Decision 5183/QD-BYT in 2021), the clinical testing methods for genital Herpes Simplex infection are stipulated as follows:

The diagnostic testing methods for HSV-2 include direct detection from lesions and indirect detection through serology:

- Serology: Can be used for HSV-2 screening to detect specific antibodies. Specific antibodies appear a few weeks after viral infection and remain permanently.

- Viral culture: Previously considered the gold standard for diagnosing HSV-2, but its sensitivity is not high, especially in the initial healing lesions and recurrent episodes.

- Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs, including PCR tests for HSV-1 and HSV-2): Compared to viral culture, NAATs have higher sensitivity, specimens are easier to collect and transport, and results are quicker, thus increasingly preferred.

- In the absence of the aforementioned tests, Tzanck cell diagnostic tests can be conducted: staining of the vesicular fluid with Giemsa or Wright to observe for acantholytic cells and giant multinucleated cells. However, this test is not specific for diagnosing genital herpes simplex infection.

Respectfully!