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Herpes Diagnosis

Herpes is a disease caused by herpes simplex viruses. There are two distinct forms of the disease depending on the specific virus that's responsible. Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) usually causes oral herpes and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) causes genital herpes.

  1. Oral Herpes

    • Oral herpes is typically identified clinically from the appearance of superficial oral ulcers. These ulcers may also be accompanied by acute gingivitis.

    Differential Diagnosis of Oral Herpes

    • Oral herpes can be differentiated from similar disorders by the early formation of the ulcers. For example, oral herpes causes ulcers that have a vesicular stage whereas common mouth ulcers do not.

    Genital Herpes

    • Genital herpes is more difficult to diagnose because it doesn't present classical symptoms. The diagnosis is typically made by eliminating similar conditions such as atopic dermatitis, lichen planus and urethritis.

    Laboratory Testing

    • Laboratory tests are typically performed only as needed to confirm a diagnosis. These may include direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) tests, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and viral cultures.

    Serological Tests

    • Serological tests are rarely useful for an individual diagnosis as the antibodies are the same for genital and oral infections. They are, however, important in epidemiological studies.

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