Pretty Confused about Tests Results

I got a herpeselect test done and it was positive for HSV1 IGG and negative for HSV2 IGG. The lab did another test for the IgM.. it was a combined test-- HSV1/2 IgM came back positive but then they did a separate IFA IgM test, and only the HSV1 came back positive and the HSV2 came back negative. What I'm confused about is I've tested positive for HSV1 years back and believe I've had it since childhood, so why would I test positive again for the IgM? Doesn't IgM mean "recent exposure". My last Herpes test was in June 2007 and both IGG and IgM for HSV1 and HSV2 were negative, why would the IgM come back positive now? Thank You.
** Also I've been with the same guy for 4 years now, don't know if that helps.

[gracefromHHP]

The igm test in theory would reflect a newly acquired herpes infection.  The problem is - no one has managed to make a herpes igm test that is accurate enough that it's worth being used on adults to diagnose a newly acquired herpes infection :(   Hundreds of posts by HHH on the herpes igm test. It's falsely positive quite often, reactivates during 1/3 of herpes recurrences and just shouldn't be used on adults.

You can totally disregard your herpes igm results. You might want to tell your doctor to do some reading to find out why they shouldn't even be ordering the test in the first place. Outside of research it's a waste of time and money.


grace

[scaredgrl85]

Thanks a lot for the advice grace. It made me feel a lot better, I'm not sure why the IgM was done but since it was negative for both HSV-2, I was happy about that. I knew I always had HSV-1, it was just odd to see it come back positive for the IgM after having it for so many years. Once again thanks :)

[JA40]

Hello Grace,

I've seen several posts about Igg vs. Igm HSV testing and am 100% clear on Igm being inaccurate, worthless, etc. in finding out if an individual actually has Herpes 1 or 2.  A type specific blood test such as HerpesSelect is recommended by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) and I understand they (CDC) actually discourage Igm tests as well.  Before getting to my actual questions and concerns I wanted to describe my situation (i.e. potential Herpes symptoms)

I developed Herpes related symptoms about 2 weeks ago which began with a burning sensation when urinating...sometimes at the onset of of urination, sometimes during, and sometimes after.  I was tested (urine) for Chlamidia and Gonnorea (sp.?) the same day of my symptoms which came back negative.  About 4 days later I still had the burning sensation while urinating and went back to my doctor.  He gave me another urine test (negative again for Chlamidia and Gonnorea) so he diagnosed me with Urethritis and gave me a shot of Recophin in my butt and one dose (4 pills) of Azithromycin.  Two days later the pain while urinating was extremely better (from the antibiotics???), but I then developed a small scab on the shaft of my penis followed by another 3 scabs within about 20-30 minutes so I went back to my doctor... these were not blisters or open sores and still aren't...they literally developed as scabs before being an open blister or sore.  I know this doesn't make much sense, but being the obsessive compulsive individual that I am I would've noticed blisters or open sores on the shaft of my penis since I was constantly examining my genital area every hour or two due to the burning sensation while urinating.  My doctor thought it was most likely Herpes and ordered a blood test and prescribed Valtrex.  The scabs have been around now for about 5 days and are better, but still there.  No pain at all around the sores/scabs, no new ones have developed, and the burning while urinating is completely gone.

I received my blood results today and my doctor believes I have Herpes due to my string of symptoms and positive Igm blood test.  My Igg for both 1 and 2 is negative. So my first question is do I most likely have Herpes?  I've been told that in about 90% of Herpes cases in men the scabs/sores are very painful...again I have no pain???  Also, the burning in my urination seemed to get better from the antibiotics and is completely gone...the antibiotics wouldn't make Herpes symptoms better, correct?  And again, the scabs/sores are still there but definitely better and still no pain.  I have not begun the Valtrex medication because I'm not certain I have Herpes since my symtoms (symptoms) are better.  All of this coupled with the fact of a postive Igm for antibodies and negative Igg on Herpes 1 and 2 has me confused.

I understand Igm testing has been known to detect "early phases" or "recent" infection of Herpes, but several threads on this site say to disregard the Igm completely...would you suggest I still dismiss this test given my symptoms?  Could it be anything else? Some sort of other infection...maybe male yeast infection? Or some sort of skin condition coupled with urethritis?  Could the antibiotics in my system (Recophin and Azithromycin) be causing the positive Igm?  

My girlfriend just took her blood test and I believe it's a HerpesSelect so Igm will not be tested.  Needless to say I'm trying to figure out timing concerns and if I do have Herpes if she infected me with the virus.  We've been in a monogamous relationship for 7 months and I haven't been with anyone else.

If she tests postive on the HerpesSelect Igg she obviously could have been a carrier for quite sometime without any symptoms and never knew she was infected.  In this instance given my negative Igg and positive Igm if I test later and come up with a positive Igg she would be the individual who infected me, correct?  If she tests negative like I did on the Igg we both plan on being re-tested in about 3-4 months.  If at that time we both test positive would it be safe to assume she was infected by someone else during the first 7 months of our relationship?  I say this because one of us would've had to contact it somewhere and I most certainly haven't been with anyone else but her.

Thanks in advance for the response.  Anyone else out there please respond if you can add some insight...appreciate it.

JA