Low IGg and dropping

[Free1981]

I recently tested positive for HSV-1 and HSV-2.  I already knew that I had HSV-1, have had it for years.  My number for HSV-1 was over 5.  I was tested in May 09 using the HerpesSelect test and the results came back positive HSV-2 with an IgG 1.67.  While browsing this forum, I read that a number that low might indicate a false positive, so I had myself retested yesterday September 9.  My results using the HerpesSelect were 1.32 IgG for HSV-2. What does that mean????  What does it mean that the number is lower the second time?  Does it have anything to do with the fact that the exposure is less than an year old? I know that because I was tested for Herpes and everything else in July 08 and was negetive. Any help would be appreciated, I just want to be sure either way.

[gracefromHHP]

At this point you should get a herpes WB blood test. If your provider uses quest labs it's test # 34534.

The change in numeric values really has no meaning. they will differ from test to test and lab to lab somewhat.  You've had 2 low positives now and I assume no genital symptoms so you need the western blot to confirm your status.

grace

[mandm12]

I know this is really old post but I wanted to ask. Today my doctor told me that I tested positive for HSV-2 on the very low low end. I have been shookin up all day wondering what that means. He told me that I could take these meds for two months retest and it may go away. I read that there is no cure and it will not go away. What does this mean, I'll go in day after tomorrow since its a holiday to get exact numbers for you. But he gave me a full blown dosage for two months and then to retest.

[AverageJohnny]

I think it could mean it's fairly recently acquired and your body is just building up anibodies. If your next test in a couple of months has a higher number it might confirm a recent infection.

I took Valtrex in the early stages and I think in screwed up my test results, I tested negative almost 5 months after symptoms appeared, kept having outbreaks for a year, and then tested positive with a 3+. If getting an accurate diagnosis is ASAP is more important to you than not having outbreaks, you may want to lay off the Valtrex, just my personal experience.

[mandm12]

What does the Valtrex do in your body to change anti bodies?

[AverageJohnny]

Once you body has built up antibodies then I don't think Valtrex makes much of a change, it just keeps the virus at bay. One would assume over time with the virus at low levels that the antibodies may slow down too, but that's just specculation.

It usually does make a difference during a new infection, by preventing the virus from getting a foothold, so your body may not react as quickly to produce antibodies as it would otherwise. I suppose your immune system doesn't see the need for a strong reaction since the virus is still weak, the Valtrex keeps it that way.This is my understanding anyways, I'm by no means an expert, just learning to so I though I would share my experience so others don't make the same mistake.

It certainly caught me off guard, a Herpesselect test after five months should have been positive, but it wasn't.