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STDs (Expert Forum)
People who don't develop HSV-2 antibodies
Answered by
University of Washington
Seattle - WA
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This forum is limited to questions about STDs other than HIV/AIDS. For questions about HIV prevention, or if you have general questions about safe sex (e.g., condoms, how to protect yourself from HIV and STDs), please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum
Some of the most common types of questions concern the risk of HIV or STD after a particular sexual exposure, and about symptoms that might or might not be due to HIV. If your question is along these lines, please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum.
People who don't develop HSV-2 antibodies
by ames0980, Apr 01, 2005 12:00AM
Hi,
I wrote before and you told me that a small percentage of people don't produce detectable antibody levels to be detected on the serology tests. Why would this happen? Is it something inherent to the person or to the virus itself? Is there another way to test for infection, other than viral culture, if a person does not produce detectable antibody level?
thanks!
I wrote before and you told me that a small percentage of people don't produce detectable antibody levels to be detected on the serology tests. Why would this happen? Is it something inherent to the person or to the virus itself? Is there another way to test for infection, other than viral culture, if a person does not produce detectable antibody level?
thanks!
Doctor's Answer
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Apr 01, 2005 12:00AM
, Apr 01, 2005 12:00AM
Unknown why; it's probably in the biology of the test and/or the person's particular immune system and how it interacts with the virus. It is rare. If a person has no symptoms of HSV infection and has a negative blood test at least 3 months after the last exposure, the chance is >99% s/he is not infected and no further testing is necessary.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
Good luck-- HHH, MD
