Test for Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infection can be performed virology and serology, each instance of the investigation are as follows:
Virology
- Light microscope. Samples derived from cells at the base of the lesion, smears on the mucosal surface, or from a biopsy, may be found in internuclear inclusions (Lipschutz inclusion bodies). Infected cells may show an enlarged cells resembling balloons (ballooning) and found fusion. In the experiment Tzanck with Giemsa or Wright staining, can be found in many core datia cells and inclusion bodies intra nuclear.
- Examination direct antigen (immunofluorescence). Cells of the specimens included in the frozen acetone. Then the examination is done by using light electrons (90% sensitivity, 90% specific) but, this examination can not be matched with viral culture.
- PCR, polymer chain reaction test for HSV DNA is more sensitive than traditional viral culture (sensitivity> 95%, compared with a culture that only 75%). But its use in the diagnosis of HSV infection has not been conducted on a regular basis, most likely because the cost is expensive. This test is commonly used to diagnose HSV encephalitis because the results are faster than culture virus.6
- The virus culture, viral culture of vesicle fluid in the lesion (+) for HSV is the best way because the most sensitive and specific than other methods. HSV can develop within 2 to 3 days. If the test is (+), almost 100% accurate, especially if the fluid comes from the primary vesicles rather than vesicles recurrence. Growth of virus in the cell indicated by the occurrence of cytoplasmic granulation, balloon degeneration and giant cell core a lot. Since the virus is difficult to develop, test results often (-). However, this method has the disadvantage due to a long examination time and expensive.
Serology