Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) are a common human pathogen found worldwide that cause a variety of diseases. HSV infects neonates, children and adults. HSV transmission can result from direct contact with infected secretions from either symptomatic or asymptomatic individuals.
Herpes simplex viruses have been categorized into two different serotypes: HSV-1 is generally associated with infections in the tongue, month, lips, pharynx and eyes; whereas HSV-2 is primarily associated with genital and neonatal infections. In the U.S., many young sexually active persons with genital ulcers have genital herpes. The classic presentation of herpes genitalis is an infection characterized by lesions in the genital area and may be accompanied by fever, inguinal lymphadenopathy and dysuria. In addition to the genital area, lesions caused by HSV can be found on both the skin and mucous membranes.
Traditional techniques used for the detection of HSV-1 and HSV-2 in lesions require a viral culture. The cell culture procedure takes a minimum of 18 hours to detect HSV and also requires a cell culture facility.
The IsoAmp® HSV Assay can be used to detect the HSV DNA within hours of obtaining the specimens and does not require expensive instrumentation.
The assay utilizes Helicase-Dependent Amplification (HDA) for the amplification of a specific target and a target-specific hybridization probe for colorimetric detection of the amplicon on a lateral-flow strip embedded in a self-contained disposable plastic cassette.