Globally, over 4.1 billion people are infected with HSV-1 and HSV-2 and the signs and symptoms can overlap. It is only through laboratory tests that these subtypes can be differentiated, which is important for managing herpes infections and identifying the risk of transmission to neonates and among sex partners.
NAATs, such as the Aptima® HSV 1 & 2 assay, are recommended by the CDC and WHO for HSV diagnosis. They are increasingly preferred over viral culture to diagnose genital herpes due to higher sensitivity, ease of specimen collection and transportation and faster results. The Aptima HSV 1 & 2 assay distinguishes between HSV-1 and HSV-2 with significant reduction in hands-on time for laboratory professionals when compared to culture and other instrument platforms.