Do I have Genital herpes?

Hi MedHelp,

  I need some advice in regards to possible exposure to HSV-2.  I was dating a girl back in 02/2010 and the relationship lasted until 03/2010 and during this time period she performed Oral Sex on me about four times.  After the last counter, she told me that she was diagnosed with Genital Herpes in 2007 and has been taking Acyclovir for over 2 years and has been symptom free for over a year.  I got concerned that I might have been infected with HSV-2 and so I had testing done last week and here are the results (It's been 5 months since any physical exposure):

HSV1&2 IGG Result <0.9 (B) - Negative Result

HSV1&2 IGM Result 3.83(C) - Positive Result

I am not sure how to interpret these results?  Do I have Genital Herpes or possibly HSV-1? Should I get further testing to rule it out?  

Thank You!

Joe

[flow1987]

Lab workers and physicians regard the IgM as a test for recent infection, and the IgG as a past infection.

However, The Herpes IgM is regarded as a flawed test. If it was 5 months post-exposure and you had anything, you should have developed an IgG antibody by now. Dr. HHH in the experts forum says a 12 week IgG test is accurate.

Grace who is the community leader on these boards, has a journal post about herpes blood tests you should read:
http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/12667/herpes-blood-tests

From her post:
"...the herpes igm blood test ( what providers often tell you shows a new infection vs an old infection ) is not an accurate blood test for diagnosing herpes with. It should not be used in adults. You can search here on medhelp for zillions of posts by Dr Handsfield, Dr Hook and myself on it."

It is my opinion that no further testing is necessary. Congratulations on your negative IgG result!

[genhsv2409]

Thanks for your response!  I have read that the IgG is a more reliable test and so thats good news!  Was wondering, if you might know, what it might mean to have such a high IgM level of 3.83?

Thanks!

Joe

[gracefromHHP]

it means nothing really.

you had no symptoms. there was really no reason to test from oral sex to be honest.

grace