Zoster Sine Herpete. Is any one know how to diagnosis Zonster Since Herpete? I have been fighting

1 ANSWERS

1. Guest2163
   

   Pretty much, if the anti-viral agent the first doctor prescribed is helping, it probably IS shingles. There are specific areas that the rash will usually (but not always) develop. Furthermore, there are some very specific test for determining herpes zoster (VZV) or herpes simplex (HSV).
   
       If the rash has appeared, identifying this disease (making a differential diagnosis) only requires a visual examination, since very few diseases produce a rash in a dermatomal pattern . However, herpes simplex virus (HSV) can occasionally produce a rash in such a pattern. The Tsanck smear is helpful for diagnosing acute infection with a herpes virus, but does not distinguish between HSV and VZV.
   When the rash is absent (early or late in the disease, or in the case of zoster sine herpete), herpes zoster can be difficult to diagnose. Apart from the rash, most symptoms can occur also in other conditions.
   
   Laboratory tests are available to diagnose herpes zoster. The most popular test detects VZV-specific IgM antibody in blood; this only appears during chickenpox or herpes zoster and not while the virus is dormant. In larger laboratories, lymph collected from a blister is tested by the polymerase chain reaction for VZV DNA, or examined with an electron microscope for virus particles.
   
   As you can see, there exists difficulty (outside of PCR test for the specific VZV DNA) in differentiating herpes zoster (VZV) from herpes simplex (HSV). The good news is that the treatment is basically the same; anti-viral agents and pallative care, such as steroidal creams. Regardless of which  type, frequent adequate handwashing; and use of a clean towel following each bath/shower, can help prevent the spread.
   In a recent study, samples of lesions on the skin, eyes, and lung from 182 patients with presumed herpes simplex or herpes zoster were tested with real-time PCR or with viral culture. In this comparison, viral culture detected VZV with only a 14.3% sensitivity, although the test was highly specific (specificity=100%). By comparison, real-time PCR resulted in 100% sensitivity and specificity. Overall testing for herpes simplex and herpes zoster using PCR showed a 60.4% improvement over viral culture.[

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