Negative HSV2 test - is it reliable?

[Mippim]

After sexual intercourse with a person in April ago I developed a small 'lump' and other symptoms of herpes (itching, fever, swollen lymph nodes etc). I had a blod test (type specific) two weeks after the sex that came back positive for HSV1 (which I've had since childhood) and negative for HSV2. I had another test done 2 weeks after with the same results.

Since I experienced recurrent pain, itching, tingling I took another test last week which was 4 months after the sexual intercourse. It came back as follows:

HSV 1 IGG AB 3.84  POSITIVE
HSV 2 IGG AB 0.10  NEGATIVE
HSV IGM Antibody NOT DETECTED

What does this mean? Could it be that my body has not yet started producing anti-bodies for the HSV2 virus, or do I have HSV1 on my genitals? I should say that the sex was not performed orally. I also thought that having HSV1 orally for so long would give me immunity agains HSV1 genitally? I am really confused and no doctors seem to be able to give me reliable answers. Since I have not had any blisters (that I know of) I have not been able to do a culture.

My question is - how likely is it that I have HSV2?

If I have HSV1 on my genitals, do I have to tell every partner of this, or is the risk of transmission so low (since the virus is out of its preferred site) that I can rule that out??

- confused and sad

[gracefromHHP]

yeah you could get the WB now.  Just wanted to make sure you weren't on suppressive therapy this whole time.

grace

[Mippim]

I've been taking Valtrex three times, it feels like it has helped rid the symptoms.

Ok, so if the time for exposure was in April I can now safely take the WB?

thanks Grace, really appreciate you taking the time.

[gracefromHHP]

How often have  you been taking valtrex in the last 4 months?

You need to wait at least 4 months post infection for the WB too.

grace

[Mippim]

Thank you AJ, that helps alot and comforts:)

The weird thing is that taking Valtrex helps against my symptoms. So I am kind of convinced that I have herpes.. allthough test results are negative. Btw - taking valtrex can't prevent antibodies to appear for HSV2, right?

Could I ask my OBGYN for a Western Blot, and how reliable is this test (i.e. do I still have to wait 6 months for testing for HSV2, or can the western blot detect instantly?)

Thanks alot, you are an angel!

[auntiejessi]

You say you have had hsv1 for so long - that's why your hsv1 test is positive.  Since you have an established hsv1 infection, its highly unlikely that you would get it genitally.

I don't know what kind of lump you had, but herpes doesn't give you lumps - its gives you sores.  Lumps are usually from some kind of bacterial infection, like staph.

I wouldn't worry about hsv2.  It can take a little longer to develop antibodies for type 2 if you have hsv1, so test again at 6 months if you are still anxious, but if it was me, I wouldn't worry about it.

AJ