Herpes Simplex Virus (1 + 2) Infections

Herpes Simplex Virus types 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV2) are large complex DNA-containing viruses which

have been shown to induce during infection the

synthesis of several proteins, possessing an high

number of crossreactive determinants and just a few

of type-specific sequences. The majority of primary

genital herpes infections and recurrent genital herpes

infections are caused by HSV-2. Nongenital herpes

infections such as common cold sores are caused

primarily by HSV-1. The detection of virus-specific

IgM antibodies is important in the diagnosis of acute/

primary virus infections or reactivation of a latent

one, in the absence of evident clinical symptoms.

Asymptomatic infections may happen for HSV in

apparently healthy individuals and during pregnancy.

Severe herpes infections may happen in immunosuppressed or immunocompromised patients. Recently

developed, IgM enzymeimmunoassays provide the

668 Concise Book of Medical Laboratory Technology: Methods and Interpretations clinician with a helpful and reliable diagnostic test for

the monitoring of “risk” population.

TOXOPLASMA INFECTIONS

Slide Test for Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, Toxogen

(Courtesy: Tulip Group of Companies)

Summary

Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the

parasite Toxoplasma gondii and affects both animals and

humans. In humans this infection is usually acquired

by ingesting inadequately cooked meat or from feces

of infected cats. Approximately 25 to 50% of the adult

population are asymptomatically affected with Toxoplasmosis.

Acquired Toxoplasmosis is usually asymptomatic

and benign. In pregnant women, however, the infection

acquires a special significance as the parasite may enter

the fetal circulation through placenta and cause congenital

Toxoplasmosis.

The consequences of congenital Toxoplasmosis range from spontaneous abortion and prematurity

to generalized and neurological symptoms. Some

infants with congenital Toxoplasmosis may also remain

asymptomatic at birth and develop the disease during

childhood or adolescence.

Reagent

1. Toxogen latex reagent: A uniform suspension of

polystyrene latex particles coated with Toxoplasma

gondii soluble antigens.

2. Positive control, reactive with the Toxogen latex

reagent.

3. Negative control, nonreactive with the Toxogen latex

reagent.

TOXOGEN latex reagent is standardized to detect 10-

15 lU/mL or more of Toxoplasma antibodies. Each batch

of reagents undergoes rigorous quality control at various

stages of manufacture for its specificity, sensitivity and

performance.

Reagent Storage and Stability

1. Store the reagent at 2 to 8°C. Do not freeze.

2. The shelf-life of the reagent is as per the expiry date

mentioned on the reagent vial label.

Principle

Latex particles coated with Toxoplasma gondii antigens will

agglutinate when mixed with serum containing antibodies

to Toxoplasma gondii. Agglutination is absent when

antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii are absent.

Note

1. In vitro diagnostic reagent for laboratory and professional use only. Not for medicinal use.

2. All the reagents derived from human source have been

tested for HBsAg and antibody to HIV and found to

be non-reactive. However, handle the material as if

infectious.

3. Reagent contains 0.1% Sodium Azide as preservative.

Avoid contact with skin and mucosa. On disposal flush

with large quantities of water.

4. Shake the latex/reagent vial gently before use to

disperse the latex particles uniformly and improve the

test readability.

5. Recap the reagent vials immediately after performing

the test.

6. Use only a clean and dry glass slide. Clean the slide

with distilled water and wipe dry before use.

7. Accessories provided with the kit only must be used

for optimum results.

8. The positive control is prediluted and ready to use.

Specimen Collection and Storage

No special preparation of the patient is required prior to

sample collection by approved techniques. Fresh serum

should be used for testing. In case of delay in testing, store

the sample at 2 to 8°C for upto 48 hours.

Material Provided with the Kit

Reagent Pack

Toxoplasma gondii latex reagent, positive control, negative

control.