Potential False Positive for HSV-2

[apac001]

Dear Dr

I have read a number of the posts on MedHelp and some seem to have relevance to my situation however I would like  to request some feedback on my situation.

I have been in a monogamous relationship for 9 years however approximately 11 weeks ago I had a sexual encounter, I received oral sex for a very short (1/2 minutes) time before I stopped what was happening.

8 weeks after the incident I began to get lower abdominal pain therefore went to see my GP, amongst other things he suggested I had a cover all STD test.

My results were as follows:

HSV-1 IGG  3.5
HSV-2 IGG  1.65

Additionally NSU was diagnosed (not caused Chlamydia or Gonorrhea)

How likely is my HSV-2 is a false positive?

Additionally I live in Asia therefore a Western Blot is not available, what would you suggest my next test should be given I do not want to have sex with my partner until I know what my status is?

Thank you in advance

[apac001]

Hi Grace

Thank you for you support and responses over the past weeks on this.

My numbers were:

HSV 1 - 3.4
HSV 2 - 0.13

My GP however did say that I must have been exposed to HSV-2 which confused me. Is he correct?

Thanks again

[gracefromHHP]

yes that's fine for confirmatory testing . congrats!!

[apac001]

Hi

I have now got my results for an IGG blood test after 14 weeks.

I do not yet have the exact numbers however I will tomorrow after speaking with my GP.

Anyhow:

HSV1 - ~3.5

HSV2 < 0.9 negative

Can I now take this result as a negative and accept the first test as a false positive or do I need to continue and get a confirmatory test?

This last 3 months have been extremely stressful and I would now like to put this to bed.

Thanks

[apac001]

Hi

I have now got my results for an IGG blood test after 14 weeks.

I do not yet have the exact numbers however I will tomorrow after speaking with my GP.

Anyhow:

HSV1 - ~3.5

HSV2 < 0.9 negative

Can I now take this result as a negative and accept the first test as a false positive or do I need to continue and get a confirmatory test?

This last 3 months have been extremely stressful and I would now like to put this to bed.

Thanks

[apac001]

Thanks Grace

It will be around 3.5 months after sex (oral - received).

Given you say probably does you mean I will still need a confirmatory test?

[gracefromHHP]

probably - make sure it's igg blood testing when you get it done and make sure you've waited 3 or 4 months after you last had sex to have it done.

[apac001]

I have decided to go for another blood test.

If this comes back negative can I relax and accept that I don't have HSV-2 meaning the first result was a false-positive?

Thanks

[gracefromHHP]

like I said, a local herpes support group would be better able to help you with testing options. too many out there for me to know what is used all over the world.

[apac001]

Thanks Grace

So I guess again from reading the posts that if it is still low positive then to confirm I need to go for the Biokit or WB?

WB not available out here however not researched Biokit!

[gracefromHHP]

you could have a pcr run on active symptoms to check for herpes. pcr blood testing for herpes is a waste of time and money.

you can try waiting a month and repeating your blood test results and go from there. If it's still a low positive, still no real answers though :(

[apac001]

Thanks Grace

Unfortunately I have not been able to find anything locally.

My GP is suggesting a PCR, which given other posts would not be a good option and probably a waste of money.

Is it worth trying another antibody test?

BTW I have not had any symptoms!

Thanks