herpeselect results

Hello

Just received back the results from by Herpeselect testing.  HSV1 Igg 2.99 ( cold sores since I was a kid which i expected) HSV2 0.04

Last sexual contact was just about 6 weeks ago. When I mentioned to my Dr that I should probably get tested again in a couple of weeks she basically said I was going a little nuts over this. That my symptoms, a sort of chafing, itching, slight redness spread over a somewhat large area were not herpes and were more likely a reaction to something external, detergent, soap, etc, And that I should just get on with my life.

Do you agree? She was not familar with the Herpes Select test and I brought it to her attention thanks to this web site so I am not sure how up to date she might be.

Anyway thanks for the assistance.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

As you suggest, your test results indicate past HSV-1 infection and no infection with HSV-2.  The large majority of persons with HSV-2 infection will become positive by HerpeSelect within 6 weeks.  As I recall your symptoms--I haven't gone back to look at your original message--herpes seemed less likely to me than irritation from shaving or perhaps a bacterial infection (staph, strep, etc).  I think your doctor probably is right.  If you want to be retested 3 months after your symptoms, that would nail it--but I'm confident you don't have HSV-2 infection.

Good luck-- HHH, MD

[anjuna]

Hi Doctor and everyone

I am posting this here because I have been trying to post my respone/question on this site for a month now and have had no luck it is alwyas full when I log on..I do appreciate your advice this sight has helped me a lot.

I too had a herpes select test after six or seven weeks of possible exposure. My test came back negative for both HSV1 and HSV2. I am still however experiencing similar symptoms tingling, burning, red, small bumps on my vagina that are some-what inflammed...My doctor even gave me Acycloivr which when I took it seemed to make my symptoms go away...I did an experiment in which I took larges amounts of L-Arginine...I know ones mind is powerful too so I am not sure what to think but the L-Arginine  seemed to make the symptoms worse...

The symptoms are cyclical....and seem to get worse when I am under stress or around my menstration..the one time I had wine...they came back the next day which make me think it is herpes. I am scheduled to go and have another test next week. I have read on other questions that antibodies may not be detected after six weeks what is your opinion doc?

To the person who asked the question...I would go back and have a second test, I am too it will put your mind at east if two tests come back negative... Thank you doctor for having this site

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Sorry you have had trouble logging on for your question.

Although your symptoms indeed seem compatible with genital herpes, that diagnosis is almost certainly ruled out by your blood test results.  However, on rare occasions HerpeSelect positivity can be delayed up to 3 months, and very rarely as long as 6 months.  So you might want to be retested to be sure.

You don

[muchneededclarification]

It is extremely hard to post a new question and mine directly relates to this thread and I'm hoping you can answer.  

I am male and nine weeks after unprotected sex with a female I got tested for herpes and would like advice on the test results.  The IgG tests were given, here are the results:

HSV1: .15
HSV2: .12

I have read online that anything under .9 is a negative.  Is this entirely correct and is 9 weeks enough time to have accurate results.

I very much appreciate your help with this inquiry.
Many thanks.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

That result is entirely negative for both viruses.  You're not the only one confused:  medical nonprofessionals expect to see zero, and tend to worry that any number at all means something.  It does not.  If the HerpeSelect result is below 1.0, the result is absolutely and totally negative--period.  The test manufacturer means for the optical density ratio to be known only to the lab or to the health care provider--who in turn would tell the patient "positive" or "negative", without the numbers.

Most infected people become positive within 6 weeks; 9 weeks is plenty.

HHH, MD