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Concerned with possible outbreak and low IgG results
I have a post already, but wanted to verify a few things on the expert forum.
Last year I tested positive for HSV 1 IgG at 1.26, and just recently tested 1.11
I have never had typical symptoms, but suddenly developed a nasty looking dark red blister on my bottom right lip, on the soft tissue (so it was directly covered by my top lip) It looked like it was going to get worse and the dark red started to show through on the border of the bottom right corner near the vermilion border. It was a little larger than a big oval pill I will say. It tingled and was uncomfortable (but not painful), but I feel as the burning sensation was mental.
The blister showed up on a Sunday, and was diagnosed on a Tuesday. It's hard to tell if it had already started healing, but the head nurse practitioner said she was leaning towards a cold sore. It was not a typical blister that was on the outside of the lips and wept however.
I was prescribed val-acyclovir and told that if it cleared up within 24 hours that it was near diagnostic that it was herpes.
I was also told that blood work would only detect secondary antibodies (although they use the Quest IgG test) and that a culture test couldn't be performed because it was not juicy enough. From what I've learned on this forum, these facts are all questionable.
The sore/blister did clear up and in a couple of days developed what appeared to be a normal canker sore in the middle.
Due to confusion, I went back in a week later for blood work, where I received the recent result of 1.11 and neg HSV2.
1. How quickly do antivirals begin to work? Would you attribute the quick healing to the meds or my immune system?
2. Is it safe to assume that it would be typical that my body would create more primary antibodies to deal with an outbreak, and if that's the case would they still take 3 months to show up as I've already had them in my system? i.e. with a result higher that 1.11
3. Have you ever heard of symptoms such as I describe?
Last year I tested positive for HSV 1 IgG at 1.26, and just recently tested 1.11
I have never had typical symptoms, but suddenly developed a nasty looking dark red blister on my bottom right lip, on the soft tissue (so it was directly covered by my top lip) It looked like it was going to get worse and the dark red started to show through on the border of the bottom right corner near the vermilion border. It was a little larger than a big oval pill I will say. It tingled and was uncomfortable (but not painful), but I feel as the burning sensation was mental.
The blister showed up on a Sunday, and was diagnosed on a Tuesday. It's hard to tell if it had already started healing, but the head nurse practitioner said she was leaning towards a cold sore. It was not a typical blister that was on the outside of the lips and wept however.
I was prescribed val-acyclovir and told that if it cleared up within 24 hours that it was near diagnostic that it was herpes.
I was also told that blood work would only detect secondary antibodies (although they use the Quest IgG test) and that a culture test couldn't be performed because it was not juicy enough. From what I've learned on this forum, these facts are all questionable.
The sore/blister did clear up and in a couple of days developed what appeared to be a normal canker sore in the middle.
Due to confusion, I went back in a week later for blood work, where I received the recent result of 1.11 and neg HSV2.
1. How quickly do antivirals begin to work? Would you attribute the quick healing to the meds or my immune system?
2. Is it safe to assume that it would be typical that my body would create more primary antibodies to deal with an outbreak, and if that's the case would they still take 3 months to show up as I've already had them in my system? i.e. with a result higher that 1.11
3. Have you ever heard of symptoms such as I describe?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You can do the basic screening test for herpes (the IgG) online at several different websites. I like healthcheckusa.com. You don't have to see a provider to get this done.
Terri
Terri
Thanks again Terri. So I hate to ask such a basic question, but Quest requires the test to be ordered by a doctor. I don't have insurance and the test expensive. I'm afraid that if I go to a doctor asking for this specific test, I might not be received well. Do you have any suggestions?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You can post updates here, if you like.
Terri
Terri
Thank you, I'll post any updates in the medical community forum.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Antibody can be detected as soon as 10 days, yes, or as long as four months. The level of antibody doesn't necessarily indicate a mild or severe infection, no.
Terri
Terri
Thank you for the answer Terri.
I am still curious to your thoughts on primary antibodies. I do not understand what causes the ~3 month period between exposure and the appearance of antibodies. I understand that every immune system is different, but I would assume that the more severe an infection the more antibodies that would be produced.
Is there anything to suggest that your body could increase primary antibodies much quicker than 2-3 months in the case of an exposure to an outbreak? i.e. is 10 days too short a period for the second test in my case?
Would it be possible that a mild genital HSV 1 infection could result in a low antibody count?
I will contact Quest Diagnostics for the western blot test. Thanks again
I am still curious to your thoughts on primary antibodies. I do not understand what causes the ~3 month period between exposure and the appearance of antibodies. I understand that every immune system is different, but I would assume that the more severe an infection the more antibodies that would be produced.
Is there anything to suggest that your body could increase primary antibodies much quicker than 2-3 months in the case of an exposure to an outbreak? i.e. is 10 days too short a period for the second test in my case?
Would it be possible that a mild genital HSV 1 infection could result in a low antibody count?
I will contact Quest Diagnostics for the western blot test. Thanks again
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I would agree that most of her statements are questionable, yes.
Antivirals work fairly quickly, depending upon the state of the cold sore.
I would strongly suggest that you obtain a western blot for herpes at this time. It can be ordered through Quest labs, the code is 34534. It is more sensitive for HSV 1, and since you are just barely positive, this will give you much needed clarification about your herpes status. This lesion, by the way, should have been swabbed and sent for PCR in my opinion. I'm unclear about your symptoms, but the blood antibody test, if negative will relieve your mind.
Terri
Antivirals work fairly quickly, depending upon the state of the cold sore.
I would strongly suggest that you obtain a western blot for herpes at this time. It can be ordered through Quest labs, the code is 34534. It is more sensitive for HSV 1, and since you are just barely positive, this will give you much needed clarification about your herpes status. This lesion, by the way, should have been swabbed and sent for PCR in my opinion. I'm unclear about your symptoms, but the blood antibody test, if negative will relieve your mind.
Terri
You are reading content posted in the Herpes Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
