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STDs (Expert Forum)
Question re: IgG HSV 1, 2 results
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.
Question re: IgG HSV 1, 2 results
by fredfredfrdfrd, Jul 25, 2008 04:59PM
Doctors,
I had what you have both told me is a low risk exposure so I won't rehash that. I decided to get tested for HSV at 6 weeks (no symptoms to date).
HSV 1 IgG: 0.22
HSV 2 IgG: 0.11
Here's the odd thing... I have had cold sores (that usually respond to zovirax ointment) since I was a teenager (though I don't ever recall actually being tested for HSV1 before). Though I was obviously pleased to see that the HSV 2 is negative (and want to believe it), I'm surprised that the HSV1 also came back negative. Naturally, my anxiety and the HSV1 result leads me to question the tests. This was Herpeselect via a reputable lab (Westcliff Labs in Ca).
What are your thoughts? Do I need to retest?
Thank you very much
I had what you have both told me is a low risk exposure so I won't rehash that. I decided to get tested for HSV at 6 weeks (no symptoms to date).
HSV 1 IgG: 0.22
HSV 2 IgG: 0.11
Here's the odd thing... I have had cold sores (that usually respond to zovirax ointment) since I was a teenager (though I don't ever recall actually being tested for HSV1 before). Though I was obviously pleased to see that the HSV 2 is negative (and want to believe it), I'm surprised that the HSV1 also came back negative. Naturally, my anxiety and the HSV1 result leads me to question the tests. This was Herpeselect via a reputable lab (Westcliff Labs in Ca).
What are your thoughts? Do I need to retest?
Thank you very much
Doctor's Answer
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Jul 25, 2008 09:59PM
, Jul 25, 2008 09:59PM
As you seem to understand, your results are negative for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. Whatever you thought was oral herpes almost certainly was something else. The most common conditions confused with oral herpes are canker sores (which cause ulcers inside the mouth, not on the lips like herpes does); or acne near the lips.
It is rare to have with HSV-1 with negative blood test results. But if your oral herpes outbreaks are typical -- i.e., recurrence of blisters that later turn to scabs, almost always occurring in pretty much the same spot (and recurring every time only on the same side of the mouth, left or right), then perhaps you are one of those rare persons. In that case, see your primary care provider the next time you have a cold sore, for diagnostic testing by culture or a PCR test.
Good luck--- HHH, MD
It is rare to have with HSV-1 with negative blood test results. But if your oral herpes outbreaks are typical -- i.e., recurrence of blisters that later turn to scabs, almost always occurring in pretty much the same spot (and recurring every time only on the same side of the mouth, left or right), then perhaps you are one of those rare persons. In that case, see your primary care provider the next time you have a cold sore, for diagnostic testing by culture or a PCR test.
Good luck--- HHH, MD
