confusing hsv 1-2 igg results

I had the IGG antibody 1&2 done 10 yrs ago.  the results were hsv 1 -3.97 , and hsv 2 - 1.72.  I was told by my healthcare provider that I was positive for type 2, but could this have been a false positive?  Should I have a repeat IGG antibody test or another test to be sure regarding type 2? thanks for any help!

[gracefromHHP]

I'm glad you found us and finally got the answers you needed too!

Not 100% answers but at least now you have some basic answers and know where to go from here I hope :)

[gracefromHHP]

I highly recommend repeating your testing!  If you still have a hsv2 igg under 5, a herpes WB will be needed.

have you had any genital symptoms in the last 10 years?

grace

[dd102267]

I don't feel like I've had symptoms.  I originally had a lesion on the inside of my buttock that was tested but came back negative.  Could that have been from hsv 1 and not 2?  So I should repeat the hsv 1/2 IGG blood test now correct..then maybe the WB.  What exactly is a herpes WB?
thanks for your info!!

[gracefromHHP]

the herpes western blot ( WB ) is a different sort of herpes test that looks at more of the igg response than the other igg tests do so it's helpful for sorting out the false positives.

could it have been hsv1? yes it could've been. only way to know for sure would be if you had a return of symptoms to get cultured.

[dd102267]

Thank you for this information!!  I will get the igg repeated asap.  Is the WB test readily available at most labs?  

[gracefromHHP]

it's only done at one lab in the entire US - the U ofwashington lab.   It can be ordered through any quest lab and quest labs are just about everywhere in the US.

[dd102267]

THANK YOU so much for your info!!  I will post new labs when back!

[dd102267]

Grace,
I have new results..... the test done was the herpeselect....
9/8/11....type 1  - >5.....type 2 - 0.2.   I am so glad I retested....can you tell me this is definitely negative for type 2? My NP said definitely negative, but I want to hear it from you as well.  
Also, if I do have type 1 genitally and not orally, can someone who already has type 1 orally still get it genitally also, or is it only one place once you are exposed??

[gracefromHHP]

correct, the hsv2 is negative. no need for the WB with that result.

all you can do at this point is should you get a return of your genital symptoms, be seen within 48 hours of their appearance for a lesion culture and typing. odds are your hsv1 is oral and assuming that is not a bad idea since hsv1 orally sheds more than hsv1 genitally does.

[dd102267]

if by chance it is genital, could someone who is already positive orally get it genitally too?

[gracefromHHP]

it's incredibly unlikely someone with hsv1 orally would get hsv1 genitally later on.

[dd102267]

Grace,
Thanks so much for your help!! For 10 years I have been misinformed by my doctor. Even when I asked for the repeat labs, she said it was a waste of time because it was definitely hsv2 positive...
  I am so glad I was guided to question this!! God Bless You!

[gracefromHHP]

I'm glad you found us and finally got the answers you needed too!

Not 100% answers but at least now you have some basic answers and know where to go from here I hope :)