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STDs (Expert Forum)
HSV-1 and HSV-2: interpreting negative results
Answered by
Edward W Hook, MD - HIV Prevention, stds
Welcome to the STD Forum, which is intended only for questions and support pertaining to sexually transmitted diseases other than HIV/AIDS, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, human papillomavirus, genital warts, trichomonas, other vaginal infections, nongonoccal urethritis (NGU), cervicitis, molluscum contagiosum, chancroid, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). All questions will be answered by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D. or Edward W Hook, MD.
HSV-1 and HSV-2: interpreting negative results
by CuriosityAndTheCat, Mar 22, 2009 12:56PM
Hello,
I had the HSV 1/2 IgG HerpeSelect AB test performed. I am negative for both HSV-1 IgG Anitibodies (0.03) and HSV-2 IgG Antibodies (0.20). I am wondering why a negative result does not show antibodies at 0.00. Does having a .03 or .20 mean that I have some antibodies, but just very few? Or does it have to do with how the test is calibrated? If I do have some antibodies, but very few, wouldn't that mean that I was exposed at some point? If so, why is that not considered positive?
Also, my mother gets cold sores, so I can only assume that she is HSV-1 positive. I am surprised that I am not positive, if she is, because we have drank from the same glass before, etc. Does it make sense to you that I am not positive for HSV-1, even if my mother is positive for it? How is HSV-1 typically transferred? If I want to Should I no longer take a sip from her glass, for example?
Also, I am a single, female. I will be 30 next month but am considering paying out of pocket for the Gardasil vaccine. Is there any reason why I should not get this vaccine?
Thanks!
I had the HSV 1/2 IgG HerpeSelect AB test performed. I am negative for both HSV-1 IgG Anitibodies (0.03) and HSV-2 IgG Antibodies (0.20). I am wondering why a negative result does not show antibodies at 0.00. Does having a .03 or .20 mean that I have some antibodies, but just very few? Or does it have to do with how the test is calibrated? If I do have some antibodies, but very few, wouldn't that mean that I was exposed at some point? If so, why is that not considered positive?
Also, my mother gets cold sores, so I can only assume that she is HSV-1 positive. I am surprised that I am not positive, if she is, because we have drank from the same glass before, etc. Does it make sense to you that I am not positive for HSV-1, even if my mother is positive for it? How is HSV-1 typically transferred? If I want to Should I no longer take a sip from her glass, for example?
Also, I am a single, female. I will be 30 next month but am considering paying out of pocket for the Gardasil vaccine. Is there any reason why I should not get this vaccine?
Thanks!
Doctor's Answer
by Edward W Hook, MD, Mar 22, 2009 05:33PM
, Mar 22, 2009 05:33PM
The chemistry of the HerpeSelect is such that there are always background signals which are read in the assay. If your result had been zero I would have grave concerns about whether or not the assay was done correctly. You do not have " a little bit" of anti-herpes antibodies.
It is possible that you could have avoided getting HSV-1 even if your Mom has cold sores due to the virus. Most people exposed to HSV do not acquire infection so, even though you were likely exposed to infection during your childhood, based on your antibody results it appears that you did not acquire her infection. Sharing glasses and eating from the same utensils does not transmit infection.
I think you are doing exactly the right thing to get the HPV vaccine. As a single woman you have much to benefit from it, even though you are a bit over the age for which insurance companies pay for it. The age limit was set on the basis of statistics, not individual risk.
Hope this helps. EWH
It is possible that you could have avoided getting HSV-1 even if your Mom has cold sores due to the virus. Most people exposed to HSV do not acquire infection so, even though you were likely exposed to infection during your childhood, based on your antibody results it appears that you did not acquire her infection. Sharing glasses and eating from the same utensils does not transmit infection.
I think you are doing exactly the right thing to get the HPV vaccine. As a single woman you have much to benefit from it, even though you are a bit over the age for which insurance companies pay for it. The age limit was set on the basis of statistics, not individual risk.
Hope this helps. EWH
Member Comments (2)
by CuriosityAndTheCat, Mar 22, 2009 06:53PM
To: Edward W Hook
Thank you very much. Your answer was very helpful. I scoured the internet and couldn't find any information to answer my question outside of this forum. This is a great service! I hope it sticks around for a very long time.
