Introduction

Human Herpes Virus type 1 and 2 (HHV-1, HHV-2) known as Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1, HSV-2) are large enveloped DNA viruses with a genome of about 150 kbp double stranded DNA.

HSV is a ubiquitous agent and can cause a variety of infections. Although most HSV infections in adults are usually benign, yet HSV is the most common cause of viral encephalitis and genital herpes is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Despite overlapping clinical manifestations, HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections are different regarding the severity and outcome, mortality, frequency of reactivation, response to medication, and drug resistance. Therefore, defining the type is clinically important and routinely recommended.

Classicaly HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections are associated with oral or genital diseases, respectively. However, the differentiation of HSV- 1 from HSV-2 based on anatomical site of infection is far from absolute and both HSV-1 and -2 can be isolated from skin, mucosa, and visceral organs. Also HSV-1 has become the predominant cause of genital ulcers in some developed countries. Therefore, HSV1 and HSV-2 detection and typing based on clinical symptoms is not reliable and requires laboratory tests.

Also in case of viral encephalitis, prompt laboratory diagnosis of HSV infection is essential for patient management and possible initiation of antiviral therapy and reducing the mortality rate.

HSV Typ RQ kit serves the both of above, fast and highly sensitive detection and typing of HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections based on Real-Time PCR. In this method application of fluorescent probes

allows detection and discrimination of amplified product without requiring post-amplification analysis, therefore, reducing the possibility of contamination with the PCR product. This kit is designed for Rotor-Gene or StepOne machines. This kit also incorporates an Internal Control (IC) to evaluate DNA extraction quality or possible PCR inhibition.