HSV 2 IgG timeline?

[trevo2002]

Hi,

I recently took an HSV type II IgG that was 7.5 weeks after a possible exposure and 10.5 weeks after another possible exposure. The test was negative with antibody levels below 0.91 (the lab doesn't give the actual number). To date, I don't think that I have had lesions. My most worrisome symptoms were nausea and night sweats about 2 weeks after the encounter, but this may have been due to stress because on that day, I had received the results of a recent IgM that returned positive with 1.19. I know now that the IgM tests are useless and a result of 1.19 is extremely low, even for the reliable tests. But the counselor whom I spoke with at the time convinced me that the test was highly sensitive and highly specific. I now know this to be absolutely false.

But my question is, about how accurate are the IgG tests at 7.5 weeks and 10.5 weeks after possible exposure? As I mentioned, my IgG for type 2 was negative after these possible exposures. Also, can HSV 2 cause small amounts of blood in the urine if a condom was worn during the possible exposure?

Thanks

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I don't have an exact number, more than 70%.

Terri

[trevo2002]

Thank you for the response Ms. Warren. Just to clarify, I had two encounters that I was worried about: one in August, and one in September. I took a single HSV 2 IgG 7.5 weeks after the September encounter.

I read in one of your previous posts that the IgGs are around 70% accurate after 6 weeks. What would this number be after 7.5 weeks?

Thanks again.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I think the likelihood that you would become HSV 2 positive after 10.5 weeks from the exposure is very low.  I suggest that people wait 16 weeks after a possible exposure to get the most accurate testing, however.

You are correct, the IgM test is worthless and I would ignore it.  You would be doing the "counselor" a big favor by going to ashastd.org website and printing out some info about the IgM test and its inaccuracies.  

I don't believe HSV 2 would cause small amounts of blood in urine whether or not condoms were used.  Men occasionally due note spots of blood in urine or semen.  This is nothing to be worried about if it is an isolated incident.  However, if it repeats itself soon or becomes more frequent, then it should be checked out.

Terri

[trevo2002]

Just to add, before the two exposures I mentioned, I did not have HSV I or HSV II. I read elsewhere that having HSV I could delay the production of HSV II antibodies, so I wanted to add this in case it is relevant.