Non Sexual Transmission Herpes 2

[bummer72]

My wife and I have had a monogamous relationship for 15 years.  A couple weeks ago a Herpes V2 infection was found during a culture after my wife went in to have it checked.  I have had herpes V1 for many years.  I get a cold sore every year.  I went in as well to get blood drawn.  Both of our blood came back negative for V2, but positive for V1.  Her culture was positive for V2.

I'm at a loss, and highly doubt the nurses opinions at Planned Parenthood.  The midwife type nurse has left no explanation other than.  "it must be a new infection, and that's for you and your husband to deal with".. Suggesting that I somehow got it (even though I've had no visible infection, and it's not in my blood... not only the fact that my wife is the only person I am with...) I even had a nurse give me conflicting facts 2 minutes before another nurse disagreed with her.

I'm basically looking for any possible answer as how to my wife has gotten this.  Keep in mind.. when I say we are monogamous..... we very truly are, and this event has really left us at a loss.

She is a hair dresser, and that's the only contact with other people I can think of......

I've scoured the internet, and even there I find conflicting cases/causes.  Needless to say we are very frustrated, and it has put a strain on us.  Especially for 2 people who love each other very deeply.

[bummer72]

Perplexed.. yeah, that about sums it up.  The last sexual intimacy my wife, and I have had was about a week before her menstrual cycle.  Then towards the end of her cycle she spotted the sores.  I have basically told my wife that I want to abstain from sexual intimacy until we can wait 6-8 weeks, and get another blood test.  I basically want to rule out myself as having HV2 either as visible infection, or in my blood.  I then want to see if HV2 shows up in my wifes blood.  It's the only way I can think of to narrow the source of her infection.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Thanks for the clarification.  I am perflexed withthe situation beyond the comments I've already made.  I hope they were some small help.  In the interim I may discuss your situation with colleagues to seek the input of other experts.  eWH

[bummer72]

My wife found small sores in her genital area.  She then made an appointment to get tested.  When the nurse at Planned Parenthood said it looked like herpes.  I went in to get tested.  I thought at first, I somehow passed my HV1 to her through oral sex.  I did mention to the nurse that I had a partner many years ago (16 years) whom had HV2.  They said it can lay dormant for years.  But, seeing I tested negative for HV2.... I'm assuming this could'nt have been passed on from me.

And the chance of my wife getting her HV2 from sexual contact outside the marriage, is more unfathomable than I passing it to her.  And, that possibility is 0 in 0 odds... So, you can see how we're completely at a loss.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

As you have already pointed out, the situation you describe is most unusual and very difficult to explain.  Taking you at your word regarding mutual monogamy, the main possibility that I can think of would be some sort of mix up in the laboratory.  To follow this up I would repeat the culture should the lesion recur and repeat her blood test in 6-8 weeks.  The reason for repeating the culture if possible is obvious.  the reason for repeating the antibody test is to see if antibodies develop.  It antibodies develop, this does suggest that the infection was recently acquired.  

You said little about the circumstances which lead your wife to be tested. Could you tell me where the lesion(s) were, where they were, how many there were, etc.  

Thanks.  EWH