VZV IgG Test versus VZV Igm Test results

[thrillmonster]

18  months  ago  I  was  reinfected  through the  Zostavax  shingles  vaccine  with  VZV infection  across  multiple  dermatomes. I  was  given  the  shot  in  error  while  on  prednisone  and  Humira  by  a  pharmacist.  Every  4  to  6  weeks  I  break  out  in  shingles  confirmed  by  a  leading  Hospital  Infectious Disease  Dept.  Being  treated  with  acyclovir,  gabapentin, pain  patches  and  opiods. At  four  different  occasions  with  clinical  presentation  of  shingles clearly  presenting  I  tested   1800  to  1926  on the  IgG  test.  However,  the  IgM  test  on  all  four  occasions  with  shingles  presenting  ALWAYS   tests   IgM-   EQUIVOCAL????   What  does  this  mean?  Does  it  mean  that  I  have  no  antibodies  on  the  IgM?   Also  while  presenting  shingles  on  same  testing  dates  my  whole  blood  VZV DNA  PCR   was  POSITIVE  and  a  Norgen  test  for  VZV DNA PCR  on  my  urine  was  positive.??  So  does  anyone  understand  the  EQUIVOCAL  Result  of  the  IgM  and  what  it  is  saying  after  (4)  attempts  at  gaining  a  result???

[thrillmonster]

I  thought  covering  was  good  enough  too  until  I  infected  my  best  friend  who  had  the  Shingles  vaccine  two  years  ago. He  did  not   have  a  serious  problem  thankfully.  A  VZV  DNA PCR  found  vzv  dna  in  my  urine and  also  in  whole  blood. Health  department  claims  I  can  infect  those  who  never  had  chickenpox or  severely  immunocompromised  like  myself  by  coughing,  sneezing, or coming  in  contact  with  bodily  fluids. I  noticed  the  sun  came  up  this  morning  without  significant  pain.  I  think  I'll  enjoy  the  day.  Thanks.

[mkh9]

I can't believe this. I am so sorry. I hope things get better for you and you stop having these breakouts. I thought as long as you cover the area it should be fine.
take care,
mkh9

[thrillmonster]

I  have  doctors  I  have  seen  for  years  now  refusing  to  see  me  in  their  office  because  I present  a  risk  to  other  patients. Breaking  out  with  new  shingles  flares  every  4  to  six  weeks  I  have  been  denied  assisted  living  and  nursing  home  care  for  same  reason. Pain  specialty  center  now  refuses  to  see  me  too.  I  feel  like  a  Leper. Public  Health  Department  wants  me  to  voluntarily  stay  away  from  church,  social  events,  shopping,  etc.  etc.  I  have  attorneys  from  Medicare  and private  in  litigation  but  I  am  in  a  painful  place  physically  and  emotionally. Only  one  living  relative. Even  Meals  on  Wheels  thinks  I  might  present  a  risk  to  a  food  delivery  driver.  This  is  crazy.  Thanks  for  your  information.

[mkh9]

Sorry this happened to you. That is terrible. Well just to explain:

Usually, the IgM will be positive only at certain times and that is when the shingles is not dormant. If you got the antibody test a little too late after the break out then the IgM antibody may have gone down. IgM only stays up for a couple of months. So the IgM specific antibody to shingles only appears when the antibody is in the blood not when it is dormant. Equivocal just means boarderline. Apparently, your immunity is still high to past infection to chicken pox as shown by the IgG result. The IgG will always show up as long as you are immune to chickenpox.
hope the outbreak goes away soon,
mkh9