Conflicting results ?!?

[WhatThe12]

OK. I need some expert help. A few years ago, I was diagnosed with HSV2 using HerpeSelect IGG specific. I always questioned the diagnosis, but accepted the lab results. In 2010, I read reseach (from infomed experts on this site) that questioned the accuracy of the HerpeSelect test for low positive results. Based on the reaserch I retested in 2011... still with a low positive result. Based on suggestions from this site, I asked my doctor for a Western Blot at my latest annual check up. (He didn't know what a Western Blot was. I had to educate him.) The Western Blot came up negative. Below are the test results and dates.

HerpeSelect igg HSV2 on April 2008: scored 1.61
HerpeSelect igg HSV2 on June 2008: scored 2.00
HerpeSelect igg HSV2 on March 2011: scored 2.03
WesternBlot on April 2012: Negative

Of course my quesiton is, "which is right?" Any thoughts?

BTW, based on this site, I've been more informed than my doctor. And his practice is one of the best known in urology practices in my area.

[linda9988]

By CDC.gov the herpes blood test not clear cut. Yes the Swab test is the the best one within 24-48

[gracefromHHP]

we know folks who are hsv1+ have a higher rate of false positives for the hsv2 igg tests. Other reasons we aren't sure of yet. It happens which is why any result under 5 without obvious symptoms regularly to culture needs confirmed with the WB.

glad you finally got answers :)

[WhatThe12]

Grace,
Thanks for your comments. Your comments to another post 18+ months ago turned me on to the studies and reserach that questioned the low positive HerpesSelect tests and suggested the WB. I posted my background in a reply to another reponse under the same thread.

Do you know what causes low positive readings on HerpesSelect? Doesn't it mean my body developed HSV2 antibodies?

Thanks

[WhatThe12]

Here is the background. In Spring of 2008, I found an "abrasion" (doctor's description, not mine) just below the head. I went to my primary care doc. He said it looks like an abrasion, but, "lets get it tested." I had no symptoms... no blister, not sores, no ichiness, no pain, no rash, no flu like symptoms, etc. The doc described like an abrasion because it looked more like a just the top layers of skin were sctrached away... like an abrasion.

I have a rather active life with a lot of running, biking, hockey (hence, male protector a.k.a. a cup), etc. I also travel a lot for business. Hence, a lot of crampted airline seats.

I've been with the same and only lady (my wife) for 20 years. Before her, 4-5 girls. I don't sleep around or any other nor have a lifestyle that puts me in a high HSV risk category.

My wife has been tested twice. Both times HSV1 and HSV 2 was 0.00.

You can see why I always questioned the diagnosis. But my primary care and the referred urologist (a.k.a. "spealist") relied on the HerpesSelect results. If fact, it was this site where I found more information and advice than the docs knew... studies, suggestions, testing, etc. I realized I had come to know more than they did.

About a 18 months ago, I saw discussion on this site referring to specific studies and research which questioned the accuracy of HerpesSelect for low positives. After enough begging, my  "specialist" urologist finally said we'll  get the WB. Hence the WB result of Negative.

BTW, I'm in the mid-atlantic, so I even vistied Johns Hopkins six months ago. (It took six months just to get an appointment.) They also relied on the HerpesSelect and claim I was in "delinal" because I requested a WB.  

When orignially described as an "abrasion", I thought I caught my penis in a zipper, or rubbed a wrong way in my cup playing a sport or something and just didn't notice it at the time as I'm always on the move.
  
Sorry for being long winded. But that's my story.

[gracefromHHP]

there are low positive false positive issues with the herpeselect and other igg herpes blood tests . We recommend the WB to rule out false positives. It's a shame you were never directed to get it 4 years ago :(  Encourage your regular provider to read the 2010 CDC herpes guidelines to update their herpes testing knowledge :)

you are hsv2 negative - congrats!!

grace

[waterwater]

i would believe the western blot. do you have any symptoms? why did you get tested in the first place?