negative igm

Hi - A few weeks ago, an exboyfriend advised me that he had just had a genital herpes outbreak confirmed by a culture. This is his first outbreak that he is aware of and as far as he knows, he's never had any previous symptoms. We've both had other partners since our relationship ended about 3-4 years ago. But his current girlfriend swore up and down that she had recently had "std testing" and had come back "clean."  So he did not think he had contracted it from her, and that it could have been an older infection.

I've never had any symptoms or any previous cause for concern. I've never had coldsores either. I've talked to both of my partners since then and none of us can recall ever noticing any symptoms of oral or genital herpes. (but none of us had been tested for herpes in recent history either) I went to my GP and asked to be tested anyway and in the last week I had been doing a LOT of reading on these forums.

In the meantime, my ex told me that his current girlfriend also went for testing and came back positve for HSV 1. I have no other details.

I just got my results back and all it says is HSV 1 IgM, IFA <1:20 and HSV 2 IgM, IFA <1:20  (it was done by Quest. I can't find a test name on this page anywhere.) So this appears to mean that they Only tested me for IgM and 'no antibody detected.'  ....

After all that I've read, the IgM is "useless," the CDC advises against herpes IgM testing, and Dr. HHH wrote that Quest announced they would not be testing adults for herpes IgM unless a healthcare provider specifically requests it! So - I'm not very happy right now, b/c this appears to have been a huge waste of my time and I'm disappointed that my docter was not aware of the current herpes info!!

My question is - what do you all think is the likelyhood that I could still be IgG postive for herpes, even though I have the negative IgM tests, and that myself and my recent partners appear to be symptom free, and my ex just had his apparent first infection w/ a partner that also tested postive? Should I go back to the docter and ask for the IgG test? or do you all think that given the circumstances, this is sufficient info to consider this "case closed?"

Thanks for your input!

[Mistakeguy789]

First I would like to say I love your nick.  Its interesting to say outloud.  

Now on to your question.  While I won't even look at your results because well quite honestly not trained and don't feel that is really my place.  I will though give you my .02.

IgM is useless from what I read and you and I agree on that.  Sweet...

Not to suprising that the girl had tested positive on HSV-1 considering that a lot of the adults have it.  Maybe she had it before and never knew or maybe she got it from someone else and shared with him.  

My other thought is while you have had no concern or cause for problems would it hurt to get an IgG test?  You may want to talk to the officer manager/doc about getting them to pay for the test since they gave you the wrong test to begin with.  Part of being a docotor does mean you have to keep up on things...  They maybe willing to work with you on that.  Knowing your own status will help you and future partners take precautions as you both deem neccessary.  

On a side note I would turn ex-bf off.  He could have gotten what he has from his precious new girlfriend.  This could not even be your fault.  But no one will know.  The great thing is that once your test comes back and is negative you can safely know it wasn't you because your sex life (I assume) ended 3-4 years ago when the relationship did.  

[gracefromHHP]

Definitely follow up on this with a type specific herpes igg blood test. I'd also make a complaint to the clinic you were seen at as to their lack of knowledge about herpes blood testing.


Ashastd.org has a terrific blood testing toolkit for medical providers. It's under $3 on their site. Might be worth investing in it and handing it to your provider with the parts about igm herpes testing highlighted.

grace