Can an abnormal pap smear result indicate herpes?
An abnormal smear can definitely indicate herpes simplex virus infection. This is a very specific morphological cellular change which manifests itself to the observer. A herpes infection is usually specifically diagnosed by a laboratory. On the other hand, it should be said that Herpes virus is not known to necessarily cause precancerous changes in the cervix. Precancerous cells means that there are cellular changes which are definitely abnormal, but fall short of malignant change. The laboratory diagnosis will be CIN 1, 2 or 3. This equates to a more modern classification of LSIL (CIN 1) or HSIL (CIN 2-3). Any of these lesions (> 70%) may also have HPV (human papillomavirus) associated with them. In Australia, under current guidelines, an atypical “squamous cell” smear pattern warrants a repeat smear in 12 months. This category encompasses cell changes which may represent a low grade lesion, but no definitive changes are present. On the other hand, atypical “glandular cells” warrant a
