Summary Human Herpes Virus 1 and 2 (HHV 1 and 2), known as ...

Summary
Human Herpes Virus 1 and 2 (HHV 1 and 2), known as the Herpes Simplex
Virus 1 and 2 (HSV 1 and 2), is the most common etiologic factor of sexual and labial
herpes. Due to the prevailing sexual liberty the virus is a problem that poses a serious
threat to public health. It is estimated that seropositivity affects as many as 80% of the
population in the world. The immune status of patients has a decisive influence on the
course of disease. The risk of serious consequences of HHV-1 and / or 2 infection
occurs in patients with compromised immune system (people infected with HIV, organ
recipients, patients receiving cytotoxic drugs), in pregnant women and newborns. The
course of infection in these groups is longer, more complicated and atypical. Adequate
diagnosis involves selection of proper diagnostic methods and understanding the
clinical situation of a patient. Diagnostics has a decisive influence on the ability to
quickly implement the treatment. In undiagnosed and untreated newborns, HHV-1 and
HHV-2 may account for the numerous irregularities. In pregnant women the diagnosis
of infection can decide how to carry the pregnancy and childbirth. Therefore, the
diagnosis of infections of HHV-1 and HHV-2 has important clinical significance. It
anables to monitor the disease, to implement antiviral therapy and test viral
susceptibility to antiviral drugs.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic possibilities of herpes
virus infections in pregnant women in Poland. Another goal was to create a plan of
care for a pregnant woman concerning herpes virus infections, taking into
consideration diagnostic possibilities in Poland.
My research shows that the primary method used for the diagnosis of herpes
infections is ELISA. The use of the appropriate method for patient's clinical situation
is dictated not by recommendations, but by the laboratories’ equipment. Modern,
recommended methods based on nucleic acid amplification and cell culture are rarely
used and only in a few locations. The results of my research can be used in identifying
potential problems relating to diagnosis of herpes virus infections by comparing them
with European recommendations.

Additionally, there has been created a project - based on global research -
covering the entire duration of pregnancy. It takes into account the real diagnostic
possibilities of the laboratories across the country. Having such knowledge,
physicians will be able to direct the clinical material to the appropriate laboratory ,
regarding patient's clinical situation. This will enable faster and more correct
diagnosis, which is often the determining factor in deciding to implement the
treatment. The results of my research can help to reduce the neonatal herpes infection
and minimize the risk of complications that are associated with herpes infection in
pregnancy.