hsv-2 results, never any symptoms

[confused82779]

Hi,

Two weeks ago, during a routine physical, my doctor ran what I'm assuming is a HerpeSelect test for HSV antibodies. This was the first time the test was run, and it was run somewhat on a fluke. I have no history of cold sores, genital sores, etc... I have been in a monogamous relationship for the past year, was in a year-long relationship prior to that, and have never engaged in unsafe sex or engaged in any sexual act with someone who has visible sores.

My HSV2 reading was 1.35 IgG, and according to this test my HSV-1 reading was negative - which I actually find surprising, given that I used to date someone with recurrent cold sores.

I read a recent study regarding the usefulness of Biokit and WB in confirming results under 3.5. In the study, it said that 10-12% of those subjects with IgG readings of 1.1-1.5 were actually confirmed as positive. That seems like a relatively low number.

My doctor went with the assumption that I had been exposed, contained trace antibodies, and just said that I should proceed with careful observation. Yet the combination of a lack of clinical history (and believe me, I'm a bit paranoid about these things - and so I've always checked things out daily to look for any abnormalities), my safer sex practices, and the low-positive reading of 1.35 leads me to believe this could be a false positive. Could that be the case?

I'm not sure if this has anything to do with my current situation, but I've received strange results on titers/OD tests before. Last year, my ANA titer was positive for no apparent reason.

[confused82779]

Anyone available to answer? I'm having tons of anxiety over this, though three separate physicians and one dermatologist have told me I have little to fret over. Thanks.

[gracefromHHP]

You need to have some patience. Your post has only been here a little over a hour now.  There isn't someone sitting here 24/7 getting paid to answer posts.

Your hsv2 igg is the low positive range. It will need confirmed with further testing.  I also recommend your current partner get tested too to see what their status is.  

grace

[confused82779]

Thanks for your reply, and my apologies for being a bit frantic about this. All said, the entire situation was rather a surprise for me.

I suppose my question is this: Given that confirmation testing is needed, is there a likelihood that this is a false positive, given my clinical history, etc? I've noticed on other posts that you've said there is a likelihood of this. I have also read studies in which the cut-off value was set at 3.5, and that often times, when it comes to HSV-1, doctors don't consider there to be a true infection unless the value is over 3.0.

I will indeed pursue confirmation testing, but I'd like to get your thoughts on the likelihood of false positives.

Thank you again for your patience, and for your response.

[gracefromHHP]

Yes there's a chance it's a false positive. It sounds like you've already done enough reading to know that.  I'd be guessing if I said you definitely didn't have hsv2 - additional confirmatory testing for you and your partner getting tested is the only way to find out.

grace

[confused82779]

Thanks so much. I'll pursue additional testing, and will let you know the results. Thanks again - this service is so helpful. I find that most health care providers truly don't know what they're talking about when it comes to reading these tests. Your service, and the time you devote to it, is a godsend. Thanks again.