Case 46: A young woman with genital blisters

Question 1

What are the assays available for herpes simplex virus diagnosis?

Answer 1

Cell culture inoculated with scrapings from vesicles.

Immunofluorescence assays on cells collected from vesicles, stained with antibodies against HSV

PCR - Gold standard - also allows typing

Question 2

What is the treatment for HSV infection?

Answer 2

Co-amoxyclav