positive igm test and confused

Grace...I have been here before having had a low risk exposure to hsv 2.  I have also asked questions with Dr. Hook, but I think I cried wolf so many times over the last several weeks, he got weary of me.  Here is my issue.  My Dr. ran my bloodwork for hsv 2 because I had some "uncomfortableness" in my vagina, nothing specific, like swelling, a little red, and just uncomfy.

Well Igm was positive and while I have read all over the forums that this test is unreliable, I have also read that in the absence of an hsv 1 outbreak (and I haven't had one in several years) it is unlikely that after having been an hsv 1 carrier for so many years (like 35 now) that my igm result would be positive without some new hsv infection...So, needless to say, I am so so scared about this.

The Igg was negative for hsv 2 (of course positive for 1 as expected), but it was much too early at 5 weeks and 5 days to be definitive.  

I have read so much conflicting information.  Please help me understand.

[gracefromHHP]

You are worrying way too much about this very low risk encounter.  This really isn't worth all this worry or all this follow up on.

grace

[learning379]

Dear Grace,

I understand that I am worrying.  I am a recently divorced woman who fears carrying a one time mistaken encounter around with me for the rest of my life.  It has been a very emotional thing for me because of the newness of being single and fears of how that kind of thiing could affect a possible relationship. Just when I think I am getting past it something happens like this confusing igm thing and I am set back.

The igm was positive and I have no symptoms of hsv 1 reactivation at all to attribute to it.  I only had this red, uncomfortable sensation in the vaginal area at the time she ran the test that lasted about 6 days.(it was 5 weeks post exposure when it started). Anyway, I am completely confused.

1) Are you saying that you wouldn't even test again even with a positive igm?  Is almost 6 weeks post exposure and a negative hsv 2 test good enough to move on regardless of the igm result.

2) I have read quite a bit about the igm thing.  My Dr. was confused enough about it that she called the lab and spoke with them.  They said it is an early indicator of new infection of either hsv 1 or 2. I have had hsv 1 (on lip) for 35+ years and have had no outbreaks for 3 years or so.  So I cannot help feeling afraid of this result. Are you saying it is useless and completely unreliable even with those details?

[kensi354]

i need helpnwith hsv test results
Hsv type 1/2, IgG             >22.40            IV
Hsv type 1/2, IgM             1.86                IV
Hsv type 1, IgG                  2.59
Hsv type 2, IgG                   0.02

Reference range for Hsv 1/2 Abs IgG/IgM
1.90 IV= Positive. Antibody detected. IgM antibody may indicate a current or recent infection. however low levels of IgM may persist for more than 12 months post-infection. IgG antibody may indicate current or past infection.
Reference Range for Hsv Glcoprotein G Ab
1.10 IV= Positive.  IgG antibody to Hsv type 1 or 2 Glycoprotein G detected. which may indicate a current or past HSV infection.

[gracefromHHP]

Dr Hook spent quite a bit of time trying to explain to you why you shouldn't be paying any attention to the igm results. I'm not sure why you are chosing to ignore all the information he gave you.

Your provider should read the following article and pay particular attention to the igm info on the 2nd page :

“common use of inaccurate antibody assays to identify infection status with herpes simplex virus type 2”  Rhoda Ashley morrow, Zane Brown  American journal of obstetrics and gynecology ( 2005), 193, p.361-362  

grace

[learning379]

Hi Grace.  Just wanted to say thank you for your patient and caring work here on the forums.  I am finally past my incident and I am thankful to be able to move on.  I had my 12 week igg and it was negative for hsv 2.  I know I was a real case :( during the waiting period...soooo sorry.  Anyway, This whole experience taught me so much about stds and hsv 2 etc.  I am grateful to be more knowledgeable and even accepting of the virus.

Again, thank you for your work here Grace, Jessie, and others.

[gracefromHHP]

Glad you finally got the results you needed to move on :)

grace