Still any possibility of Herpes ?

[as81316]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I got genital molluscum in December last year for which my doctor gave me imiquimod/aldara - Due to applying that, I got severe open blisters sores on scrotum (not painful or itchy at all). On visual diagnosis, the doctor said it is herpes for sure. I told him that last time I was exposed to unprotected oral sex was 8 months back. He ordered a blood test. I got HSV IGG 1&2 combo done which came non reactive. Doctor said test results are wrong and its 100 percent herpes. He prescribed me some herpes related antivirals which I did not take. I went for a second opinion and the other derm (also a MD & VD specialist) said that if the tests are non reactive then you do not have herpes and visual inspection is not always correct. I re tested myself out of anxiety after another 3 months for HSV IGG 1&2 combo and results again non reactive. And till now, there have not been any recurrence of herpes symptoms. Also, please note that I had a condom break in Dec 2011. All STD tests have been negative for me till date including HIV. My questions please -

1) Can initial herpes symptoms show up 8 months after possible exposure of unprotected oral sex ? Or it was only imiquimod related burns ?
2) My HSV 1 & 2 IGG Combo came out negative twice nearly one after possible exposure. Also, I have never had a repeat recurrence  since past 10 months. Is it not conclusive ?
3) Do i have to retest for HSV  IGG 1&2 separately also ? I have heard that if combo tests are negative then it is very good evidence that one does not have herpes.
4) Testing should be done 4-6 months after exposure or 4-6 months after initial symptoms ?
5) Also, I have not had any new molluscum bumps since past 3-4 months. Am i cured of molluscum ?
6) If any HPV warts have to show up, can they show up after 1 year of exposure ? Just guessing - I dont have any

[Life360_Dave]

1. Im not sure what test you had  but if your test said non reactive its the same as negative as did not show signs of it.
2. yes if you tested negative twice then your negative. Visual is not a good way to diagnose herpes.

[as81316]

Hi Life,

Thanks for your reply. I have a few more questions please.

1) You said "no combo is ok as long as you had the herpes igg select type specific or similar.". Does it mean that combo is OK or combo is not OK ? Sorry as I am confused. I had HSV 1&2 IGG COMBINATION ANTIBODY TESTS NON TYPE SPECIFIC twice after one year of possible exposure. And both times it was non reactive. So, these combo tests are conclusive right ?

2) One doctor said it is herpes on visual inspection but the antibody HSV 1&2 COMBO antibody test came non reactive twice. Does this happen quite often ? I mean can a visual inspection be wrong as well ? The other doctor said that if blood tests are negative then you do not have herpes. He said the if combo test comes positive then the blood sample is further tested for HSV2, but in my case comb tests were negative so i do not require further testing. So i hope i do not need further testing. Please advise

[Life360_Dave]

Hi.
1.  you had 2 negative herpes tests so you dont have it. Symptoms first time often appear in 2 to 12 days. You should have any sore swabbed within 48 hours after appearing as this is the best test to show a positive.
2. that would be conclusive.
3. no combo is ok as long as you had the herpes igg select type specific or similar.
4. 3 months after exposue.
5. usually after it is burned off it doesnot comeback so without any new ones you clean.
6.they can show up weeks or months after contact but a year is a long shot.