Need help with HSV 1 test results, please

Exposure was 2/18/09.  Tests results have been as follows:

2/20/09: HSV 1 lgG, Type Spec <0.91; HSV 2 lgG, Type Spec <0.91
3/20/09: HSV 1 lgG, Type Spec 1.79H; HSV 2 lgG, Type Spec <0.91
3/30/09: HSV 1 lgG, Type Spec 1.2xH; HSV 2 lgG, Type Spec <0.91; lgM: negative

In other words the lgG for HSV 1 went down 0.5 from 3/20 to 3/30 (I say 1.2x as I don't know the third significant digit; results from Dr. by phone) and the added lgM test was negative.  Dr. says he would have expected the number to have gone up and since it didn't, the results are unclear and that we should wait until June to test again.  But I'm anxious.  Any help?   Thanks!

[kgirl87]

Hi!

You were tested for HSV 1 right? I don't understand your test results much, but 90% of the adult population is estimated to have been exposed to the HSV 1 virus (therefore loose estimates say 60-90% of the population has the antibodies).  HSV 1, although it's more then happy to infect the genital region, usually occurs orally ie cold soars.  Are you worried you might have the virus that causes cold soars or genital herpes? If you have a positive test for HSV 1, it's not going to tell you where you're infected...  Why were you tested?

[zxcvb99]

Thanks for the response (and sorry, board. for the duplicate posting - I'm new to this and don't know how to remove the second one that was moved from a different forum),

Yes, I was tested for HSV1 and 2.   I was tested because of sexual exposure to someone who told me after the fact that she was infected.  She's not having an outbreak and is on suppressive medication.  When she does have an outbreak, it's in the genital area, I have no symptoms.  I'm worried that I might have HSV1 in the genital area.

[kgirl87]

Okay here are some things I know that might make you feel better...

Ever had a cold soar? Having outbreaks orally will significantly reduce the intensity and frequency of genital outbreaks.  

Antibodies can take up to 4 months to form, so if you're negative now, but are possitive within 4 months, it's likely you caught it, but you might have it orally.  A possitive type 1 result now means you've already been exposed and it's most likely oral.  Don't freak if you have a possitive result, it's estimated that up to 80% (that's the top range) of people with genital herpes never have outbreaks.  

If she didn't have an outbreak you're probably good.  The virus undergoes shedding once or twice a year so it's active with no symptoms 2-4 weeks in a year.  However, without blister fluid exchange it's still harder to catch.

The iffy result you have now is probably a good sign, even with an outbreak the antibodies don't form that quickly so if you have a positive result then you're probably an asymptomatic individual with the antibodies.  

I'm not sure how clear I've been so just ask if you don't fully understand any of it.

[auntiejessi]

Chances are you had hsv1 prior to this, and your first test missed it.  Have you had any genital symptoms?

Aj

[zxcvb99]

Thank you for your time/thoughts.  I don't recall having had a cold sore before.  And I tested negative for 1 and 2 in summer of 2007 in a "starting a new relationship, let's both get tested" test.  So, I don't think I've had it before.

Consensus seems that I just need to wait a couple more months and test again, which I will do.  Fingers crossed.

[zxcvb99]

I've not had any symptom of which I am aware.  And tested negative in summer of 2007 too.  See preceding post.  Thanks.