Very high IgG on HSV-2

I have never had any symptoms of a outbreak and was extremely shocked when gynecologist told me I was positive for HSV-2, but not HSV-1.  She did an entire STD panel because I asked her to, as I was newly divorced. Never saw any outbreaks on any partners from the past and was always in long term relationships with them.

Values were:

HSV-1   8.0

Because I was so surprised at this new finding, I had my PCP order a WB and it was sent to UofW today.

Question is why would level for HSV-2 be so incredibly high.  New infection, old infection.  In addition 6 weeks prior to test I had blood transfusion of 5 units PRBCs secondary to a gastric ulcer bleed.  Is there any way the  antibodies could come from donated blood?

[thiscantbereal]

I have never had any symptoms of a outbreak and was extremely shocked when gynecologist told me I was positive for HSV-2, but not HSV-1.  She did an entire STD panel because I asked her to, as I was newly divorced. Never saw any outbreaks on any partners from the past and was always in long term relationships with them.

Values were:

HSV-1    8.0

Values showed up wrong in first post.


Because I was so surprised at this new finding, I had my PCP order a WB and it was sent to UofW today.

Question is why would level for HSV-2 be so incredibly high.  New infection, old infection.  In addition 6 weeks prior to test I had blood transfusion of 5 units PRBCs secondary to a gastric ulcer bleed.  Is there any way the  antibodies could come from donated blood?

[thiscantbereal]

Here are the real values HSV-1 in less than 0.2.   HSV-2 is greater than 8.0  these are based on the IgG antibodies.

I dont know what it kept wiping out the values when I would post.

[gracefromHHP]

the less than and greater than symbols sometimes cause problems.

your hsv2 igg being 8 means it's not likely to be a false positive. Study after study shows that over 90% of folks who have hsv2, have no idea until tested. Your situation is far more common than I'm sure you think it is.  

I encourage you to read the free herpes handbook at www.westoverheights.com if you haven't already. it's a good place to start learning the basics about hsv2. The patient counseling video there is also terrific to watch.

so what do you do with future partners?  when you meet someone new and things are starting to look like sex is in the future for you, have the whole "talk". Discuss birth control and condom use. talk about past std's. Talk about testing for std's. Most folks don't ever get tested for std's because they figure if they have one, they'll know it. Folks who do get tested for std's, typically only get tested for 2 or 3 std's but don't realize that. It's a good idea to ask details .  Then talk about the herpes you know you have. Ask them what they know about it because odds are they know nothing more than "omg herpes!!!".  Let them know how low the rates of transmission are to male ( 4%/year if you did nothing but avoid sex anytime you have anything going on genitally. 2% if you also use daily suppressive therapy. 1% if you do all that plus use condoms ). Discuss together what precautions you both feel comfortable taking.  It's not the most romantic talk  you'll ever have but it's important to your health because it's so much more than just the hsv2 you know you have.

in 6 weeks, any igg in donated blood is already long gone from your body.  

keep asking questions!

grace