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HSV-2 Timeline
I've read a bunch of other posts, but still would like to ask a couple questions.
I'll start with my timeline.
Tests for hsv-1 have always been negative.
In July 2012, hsv-2 tested equivocal (1.01). At the time, the dr. said that since I had no symptoms it was nothing to worry about. I have since learned that is not necessarily true. Las December (2015) I tested positive 1.89 for hsv-2 at Quest (it was an igg test).
I have never had any herpes symptom in my boxer short region, but I have had a red spot on my lip three times that I do not believe is a pimple. Never a classic blister, but I don't believe a pimple. More like a small red circle, maybe 1/8" to 1/4" in diameter. There is no pain, discomfort, or tingling that accompanies it. It's just there for several days to a week. No scab or ulcer, either, when it leaves. It just shows up and disappears.
My questions are:
1. Could this be oral hsv-2?
2. If the equivocal of 1.01 was accurate in 7/2012, does the 1.89 in 12/2015 make sense or would it be much higher?
3. I've read about a lot of false positives for igg results below 3.5, but much of it centers around 'low risk' population. Is there a reason that it isn't just the value of the igg result that matters for this? Admittedly, there was a time period when I was not in the low risk population (due to number and frequency of partners) and I'm wondering if this really reduces the likelihood of a false positive.
4. I've read that the transmission rates for oral hsv-2 are much lower than any other type/location of herpes. How low is it?
5. Should I have another igg test done at Quest?
6. I've read that the biokit test or Western Blot are better. Is the biokit reliable enough to conclusively confirm a positive test or expose a false positive? What is the accuracy and reliability of the biokit test relative to the Western Blot?
Because I have one of these spots right now, I've contacted my dr. and asked if he should take a look at it today. I'm also going to contact my dermatologist when the office opens and ask her to take a look at it, too.
I'll start with my timeline.
Tests for hsv-1 have always been negative.
In July 2012, hsv-2 tested equivocal (1.01). At the time, the dr. said that since I had no symptoms it was nothing to worry about. I have since learned that is not necessarily true. Las December (2015) I tested positive 1.89 for hsv-2 at Quest (it was an igg test).
I have never had any herpes symptom in my boxer short region, but I have had a red spot on my lip three times that I do not believe is a pimple. Never a classic blister, but I don't believe a pimple. More like a small red circle, maybe 1/8" to 1/4" in diameter. There is no pain, discomfort, or tingling that accompanies it. It's just there for several days to a week. No scab or ulcer, either, when it leaves. It just shows up and disappears.
My questions are:
1. Could this be oral hsv-2?
2. If the equivocal of 1.01 was accurate in 7/2012, does the 1.89 in 12/2015 make sense or would it be much higher?
3. I've read about a lot of false positives for igg results below 3.5, but much of it centers around 'low risk' population. Is there a reason that it isn't just the value of the igg result that matters for this? Admittedly, there was a time period when I was not in the low risk population (due to number and frequency of partners) and I'm wondering if this really reduces the likelihood of a false positive.
4. I've read that the transmission rates for oral hsv-2 are much lower than any other type/location of herpes. How low is it?
5. Should I have another igg test done at Quest?
6. I've read that the biokit test or Western Blot are better. Is the biokit reliable enough to conclusively confirm a positive test or expose a false positive? What is the accuracy and reliability of the biokit test relative to the Western Blot?
Because I have one of these spots right now, I've contacted my dr. and asked if he should take a look at it today. I'm also going to contact my dermatologist when the office opens and ask her to take a look at it, too.
So what if you have multiple tests of the IGG test over the 0.90, but under 3.5?
If you get a confirmatory test that is still in the positive range, but still below the 3.5, does that confirm the hsv2 infection?
1 Comments
A confirmation test is another type of test like the western blot test from the UniversityofWashington
1 very doubtful you have an oral hsv2 infection. Hsv2 rarely infects the oral cavity.
2.in my experience it should be higher. Anything less than 3.5 is suspect and needs further testing
3.the low positive needing confirmation testing has nothing to do with risk. It has to do with the high sensitivity of the test picking up other things.
4. It is very low. Hsv2 does not like the oral cavity and is rarely contracted there.
5.I would seek out the other tests you mention at this point.
6. The western blot would be the best test to confirm what's really going on but the bio kit is fine too.
2.in my experience it should be higher. Anything less than 3.5 is suspect and needs further testing
3.the low positive needing confirmation testing has nothing to do with risk. It has to do with the high sensitivity of the test picking up other things.
4. It is very low. Hsv2 does not like the oral cavity and is rarely contracted there.
5.I would seek out the other tests you mention at this point.
6. The western blot would be the best test to confirm what's really going on but the bio kit is fine too.
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You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community
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.
