HSV-1 and HSV-2 share approximately 50% homology of their genetic materials and not surprisingly, therefore, express type-common surface antigens. This results in strong serological cross-reactivity with many antibodies to HSV-1 cross-reacting with HSV-2 antigens and vice versa. For this reason, it has not been possible to distinguish between HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections using traditional HSV-1 and HSV-2 viral lysate antigens.

This problem is solved by using our new glycoprotein antigens which are respectively specific for antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Genital herpes is a contagious viral infection affecting primarily the genitals of men and women.

Approximately 90% of all genital herpes is caused by HSV-2 and about 10% results from HSV-1.

While generally not dangerous, it is a nuisance and can be emotionally traumatic as there is no cure. It has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S.; between 0.5 and 1.0 million people contract it each year and 30 - 50 million cases are currently estimated to exist in either the active or dormant stage.

The most serious risk of HSV is the transmission of virus from infected mother to baby during birth (referred to as neonatal herpes). This can result in death or permanent damage to the baby.-Most researchers estimate that between 1000 and 3000 cases of neonatal herpes occur each year in the U.S.

In addition, newly infected people - whether pregnant or not - have a higher rate of asymptomatic shedding for roughly a year following the primary episode. This higher rate of asymptomatic shedding, plus the lack of antibodies, creates the greater risk for babies whose mothers are infected in the last trimester. All of the above suggests the usefulness of screening pregnant women and their partners

The availability of our new glycoprotein antigens should facilitate the development of rapid point of care tests that would render such screening a practical possibility in both technical and economic terms.