Positive HSV2 culture

[Chris13]

In Jan. I had a positive herpes culture for HSV2.  That was the only outbreak I've had and it was very mild.  Then this month (July), I had an IGM and herpesselect IGG blood test.  The IGM came back negative.  The IGG cam back positive for HSV1 (3.8), but negative for HSV2. I am a bit confused.  I understand that all the IGG test shows is basically that I've been exposed.  I also read that it is common for a negative IGG test and positive culture when you first get herpes, because of the lack of antibodies in the the blood.  How come over 6 months later it is still negative?  Can you please help explain all of this for me and the reality of the situation, along with any options.

Thanks

C

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Those are atypical results.  The IgM test doesn't help one way or the other, but HerpeSelect IgG should have become positive by now.  The most likely explanation probably is a lab error  in diagnosing HSV-2 by culture; ask your providerr to check that out and make sure it wasn't really HSV-1.  If there seems to be no doubt it was HSV-2, then I suggest you ask your provider to send another blood specimen to a reference lab for further testing--e.g., the Univeristy of Washington clinical laboratories in Seattle.

I hope this helps.  Good luck-- HHH, MD

[Chris13]

What do you think more likely to be correct, the culture or the Herpeselect IGG test?  


Thanks for your help.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

As I said in my first response:  "The most likely explanation probably is a lab error in diagnosing HSV-2 by culture", i.e. I suspect you don't have an HSV-2 infection.  But tt's a soft call, by no means certain.

HHH, MD