HSV 2 IGM Result

[LouiseK9]

I recently met a guy & we decided being "mature" adults that we should have STD tests since we are considering being exclusive.  I got my tests results back.  HSV1 & HSV2 IGG both came back as negative.  HSV1 IGM came back negative with index of .85.  HSV2 IGM came back as postive (neg) with index of 1.24.  2 nurses at my OBGYN's office told me that I was positive for HSV2.  I made an appointment to meet with my family doctor.  He said that it is a "weak" positive, probably a cross contamination since I have no symptoms.  My previous partner was tested & his results came back negative.  My doctor wants to retest in 2 months. Not sure who to believe.  

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Great, I'm glad that you will do that.  The CDC, this very year, said not to use IgM tests

Terri

[LouiseK9]

Hi Terri,
I appreciate your response.  Yes, you are correct.  My previous partner, who I still speak to, has had no symptoms & his test results came back as negetative (he was tested last Monday 4/4, I was tested on 3/18).  We have not been together since 2/26 so I am assuming that if I was infected,one or both of us would have symptoms & tests results (IgG) would come back as positive.  I was unaware of the difference between IgG & IgM until I did some research on the internet & found this website which has been extremely helpful.   My family doctor had told me "I would not have told you that you tested positive, based on your test results, no symptoms & a partner who tested negative".  Of course, I wanted to get a second opinion since I have been stressed about the "diagnosis" and obviously had to share this information with my current partner.

Again, I thank you for your time.  I will definitely address this situation with my OBGYN doctor when I see him in July for my annual exam.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I would believe that there is a very high rate of false positives on the IgM test.  It should not be used to try to diagnose herpes in the first place.  People try to use it to sort out new from old infection, but its worthless for that as well.  If your previous partner was negative, you clearly don't have new infection, right?  I never ever order this test because of this very situation.  At least in your case you know your previous partner was negative - sometimes people can't get their last partner to test, and they are left in limbo for months!  You are not.  I suggest you ignore this information and go with the IgG test information.  

And if I were you, I would raise some big time stink about being told you have genital herpes by those nurses based on this test.  SHAME ON THEM and shame on your doctor for letting them tell you that.  I makes me so angry.

Terri