Low positive for HSV 2, now waht to do

[sleepyjones99]

About a week and a half ago, I received test results from my doctor indicating that I tested positive for HSV 2.  My igg count was 2.22 and the test used was Herpeselect.  I then went to two labs over the course of a week and was tested again.  Both labs used LabCorp, which utilized the Captia ELISA test.  Both test results for HSV 2 came back negative (<.91).  (as a side note, both the Captia ELISA and Herpeselect showed a negative result for HSV 1).  

I just had blood drawn today from primary care physician and requested the Western Blot test.  Thinking back, should I have requested another Herpeselect test or is the Western Blot test the better way to go?  

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I presume this question is being asked by someone who has not had an outbreak or lesions.  If this is the case, with the test results that you report, chances are good that you do not have HSV-2 and that your IgG test was falsely positive. In the range that you mention (2.22) well over half of results are false positive and the fact that you have negative tests with alternate testing makes it even more likely that your test result was false positive.  The Western blot is the gold standard test and in your situation is is the most likely way to sort things out. If the result is negative or equivocal (as happens to some people with false positive test results), you do not have HSV.  

Hope this helps.  Take care.  EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Glad to hear it. Take care. EWH

[sleepyjones99]

Dr. Hook.  Again, thank you for your assistance.  I just received my Western Blot test back and it turned out negative.  

[sleepyjones99]

Dr. Hook:

Thank you for your comments.  You are correct, I have not suffered an outbreak or lesion.  And based on several journal articles I read, I noticed that if I scored less than 3.5 igg, the Herpeselect could be drawing a false positive.  I appreciate your insight.