Asymptomatic HSV2? How often does this occur?

I am curious to know how many other people tested positive for HSV2 with an IgG antibody blood test and have never had any outbreaks or symptoms?

I know it is possible, but is it rare?

What determines this? Immune system function? Amount and location of infection when exposed?

Thanks for any help.

[gracefromHHP]

Actually studies have shown that only about 20% of folks with hsv2 are truly asymptomatic. Most times folks just don't know what they are looking for.  One study that was comprised of folks who had tested + for hsv2 but swore they had never had an ob ever - with proper education - 80% of them were able to start recognizing the signs of recurrence of the virus. Most folks are looking for blisters that are painful and very obvious or "scabs" that look like something you'd see on your knees when you skin them.  The reality is it's more likely to be more vague like redness, itching, anal symptoms etc which can be easily attributed to other causes.  Who hasn't been a little sore and tender after a really "good" weekend with your lover?  If you've never had anal sex - why would you suspect that any itching in that area or pain was due to anything like herpes? Unfortunately even medical providers oftentimes don't think to check for herpes as a cause of symptoms in their patients.

So what determines how "bad" your ob's will be?  At this point it's assumed it's as much about your genes as anything.  One more thing to blame on mom and dad ;)  also prior hsv1 oral status also seems to be a factor too. Folks who have hsv1 orally before contracting hsv2 genitally tend not to have a "classic" 1st ob which makes symptoms more easily overlooked.

grace