Similar HSV-2 False Positive Test Results

[K219]

Doctor,

I recently underwent a full screening for all STD's and received a diagnosis very similar to P299's. I have known about my exposure to HSV-1 for almost ten years now and though the outbreaks have decreased significantly in the past year, my stress levels, exposure to sun, etc. occasionally (at most 1-2 times per year) causes cold sores to resurface.

The results of this most recent Herpeselect screening revealed the following results:

Herpes Simplex Virus, IGG
I/II IGM
HSV 1 IgG AB -- *5.50   [<0.90] IV

HSV 2 IgG AB -- 0.11  [<0.90] IV

HSV IGM AB -- *1.20  [<0.91] OD Ratio

Much like P299's doctor I received little background information on the results. Leading up to the tests I was quite stressed with work, obtained the tests because my girlfriend was experiencing issues (now believed to be UTI or yeast infection, but at the time thought Chlamydia or other may be involved), and had stressed my body a little further the weekend before the test on Monday by drinking a little too hard that Saturday night.

With this information, what would you recommend? Western Blot Test? Could this be a false positive result caused by flare up of type 1 and cross reactivity?

Just as P299 said, I have never shown any symptoms of HSV-2 and had no reason to suspect that I had been infected. Any help would be amazing.

Thank you for your time.

K219


This discussion is related to HSV 2 False positive???.

[auntiejessi]

The only thing positive for type 2 is an IgM result.  That could indeed have been positive from your recent type 1 recurrence.

You do not have hsv2.  The IgM is totally unreliable for reasons such as this, and shouldn't be used on adults.

AJ

[K219]

Hey AJ,

Thank you so much for getting back to me so quickly, I really appreciate it. All of the information I have gathered does seem to indicate that IgM is unreliable, and actually incapable, in distinguishing between HSV-1 and HSV-2.

You sound pretty confident that I do not have HSV-2 - should I get tested again? Can I be certain? And - I mean this in the most respectful way - I'm just wondering - are you a doctor? Just trying to clarify for peace of mind.

Thanks again for your help,

K219

[auntiejessi]

According to the test results, you don't have hsv2.  If its been more than 4 months since your last possible exposure, you can trust those results.

I am not a doctor.  I have worked in the std field for a long time, and have had hsv2 for 3 years.  I am also a moderator on an online herpes support/info board.

And no offense taken.  You absolutely should ask my qualifications.  :)

AJ

[K219]

AJ,

Thank you. I am so glad I took the time to research this and didn't take my doctor's word at face value. You have been a huge help. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

K219

[auntiejessi]

You're welcome.  :)

If you do a search here for "herpes IgM" you will find all kinds of explanations about why the IgM is a worthless test.  There are several posts about it in the experts forum, as well.

Good luck!

AJ

[K219]

I pulled a lot of IgM research yesterday that I'm going to bring to my doctor tomorrow. Do you think I should still get another test done or are you certain from my test results that I'm negative for HSV-2?

Once again, thank you so much for your help. This site is an amazing resource and really helped me through a very frustrating and stressful time.

Best,

K219

[auntiejessi]

I wouldn't retest, but I know how frustrating it can be.  If you want to retest with just the IgG, that's ok, but will you accept those results?

I don't know if you have checked our expert forum, but they have tons of questions about the IgM, and it might help you relax some about it.

AJ

[auntiejessi]

Oh and along with checking here, check in the herpes handbook at www.westoverheights.com.  It has a whole section about the IgM.

AJ

[K219]

Thanks AJ. I am definitely accepting that I am not HSV-2 positive - all signs point to no (except for a doctor's uninformed snap-judgment). I printed out all the information I've found online and I'm going to have a talk with my doctor tomorrow - more as information for her than for me - I'm confident that I do not have it at this point.

Thanks Again,

K219