The Development of IgG Antibodies to HSV-2

The body produces immunoglobulins, or antibodies, to defend itself against foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. There are five classes of antibodies, one of which is IgG. Foreign substances possess proteins called antigens. IgG antibodies detect, recognize and tag foreign antigens for destruction by immune system cells.

IgG Antibodies

• IgG antibodies are antigen-specific and long lived, meaning that once produced against a particular intruder, they remain in the body to immediately recognize and destroy it in the event of another attack. The presence of IgG antibodies in the blood allows physicians to determine if a patient has ever been exposed to specific bacteria, viruses or other foreign substances.

HSV-2

• HSV-2 causes genital herpes, a viral infection spread by sexual or other skin-to-skin contact. Despite the production of IgG antibodies, the immune system lacks the ability to fully eradicate the virus. Once contracted, the virus never leaves the body and patients experience recurrent episodes of disease activity and remission.

Antibodies and HSV-2

• Testing positive for HSV-2 IgG antibodies indicates previous exposure to the virus. According to a study published in the "Journal of Clinical Microbiology," 75 to 90 percent of individuals testing positive are unaware they are infected. It also claims that the median time for IgG antibody detection following initial exposure is 13 days.