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Interpreting HSV Results
Ok here it is. I had an exposure with a risky partner and got tested exactly one week after. Now I knew that the testing wouldn't accurately reflect the exposure, but I at least wanted a baseline to compare to at 3 months.
Results
HSV-2 IgG 0.79
HSV-1 IgG <5
So I tested positive for HSV-1 and negative for HSV-2. Can anyone help me possibly interpret these results. Is HSV-1 over 5 suggest that it is something I have had for a while? Is a .79 a week after exposure a logical number, meaning that it is high and will probably continue to go up?
I really appreciate any help. This has been the worst 2 weeks of my life. I have been to the doctors 5 times now, and I have an itchy pubic/anus/groin/scrotum that will not go away. My lymph nodes have a few pea size lumps. I have a rash on my pubic area that is constantly changing but the doctor said it does not look like "typical herpes" but obviously he has not ruled it out.
I've heard that stress can cause outbreaks. What are the odds that I have had HSV-1 genitally for 2 years (the last time I had sex with an unknown partner) and the outbreak is just now happening? Contrary to that, what are the odds that I have had HSV-1 orally and never experienced any cold sores?
Results
HSV-2 IgG 0.79
HSV-1 IgG <5
So I tested positive for HSV-1 and negative for HSV-2. Can anyone help me possibly interpret these results. Is HSV-1 over 5 suggest that it is something I have had for a while? Is a .79 a week after exposure a logical number, meaning that it is high and will probably continue to go up?
I really appreciate any help. This has been the worst 2 weeks of my life. I have been to the doctors 5 times now, and I have an itchy pubic/anus/groin/scrotum that will not go away. My lymph nodes have a few pea size lumps. I have a rash on my pubic area that is constantly changing but the doctor said it does not look like "typical herpes" but obviously he has not ruled it out.
I've heard that stress can cause outbreaks. What are the odds that I have had HSV-1 genitally for 2 years (the last time I had sex with an unknown partner) and the outbreak is just now happening? Contrary to that, what are the odds that I have had HSV-1 orally and never experienced any cold sores?
Howard,
You have no idea how much i appreciate you taking the time to reply to my post. While i am far from confident or certain in my condition, your last comment will undoubtedly help ease my mind as I wait the upcoming weeks to test for certain.
Thank you so much.
You have no idea how much i appreciate you taking the time to reply to my post. While i am far from confident or certain in my condition, your last comment will undoubtedly help ease my mind as I wait the upcoming weeks to test for certain.
Thank you so much.
SS: "at two weeks an IGG blood test is useless for a new infection"
True, but still reasonable to do as a baseline for comparison with later testing. This can be especially useful if a later test gives a mid-range ELISA value, i.e. not >3.5.
NTATH: "Life360, what exactly do you mean?"
He means that as long as the number is under 0.91, the result is definitely negative. For example, a value of 0.3 is no more negative than one of 0.85. This is inherent in the biolchemistry of the test and has nothing to do with small amounts of anti-HSV antibody. In fact, the same blood specimen, tested 10 times, would give 10 different numbers which could vary anywhere from 0.1 to 0.9.
True, but still reasonable to do as a baseline for comparison with later testing. This can be especially useful if a later test gives a mid-range ELISA value, i.e. not >3.5.
NTATH: "Life360, what exactly do you mean?"
He means that as long as the number is under 0.91, the result is definitely negative. For example, a value of 0.3 is no more negative than one of 0.85. This is inherent in the biolchemistry of the test and has nothing to do with small amounts of anti-HSV antibody. In fact, the same blood specimen, tested 10 times, would give 10 different numbers which could vary anywhere from 0.1 to 0.9.
Yes, very high probability you are HSV1 positive. If this were two to three months from now and you got a .79 for HSV2, there is a high probability your would be negative for HSV2. For now, if you get any type of blistering get it tested asap for the virus. I would not anguish over the issue of baseline scores after two weeks. Everyone's body is different. FYI - most information you will read will say anything over 3.5 means high likelihood you have tested positive. However at two weeks an IGG blood test is useless for a new infection.
Numbers below .91 only mean negative, and does not indicate a high negative climbing to reach over 1.
The reason i got tested was for this very possibility.
What if i waited 3 months and got these very same results. I would have assumed that i became HSV-1 positive from this sexual encounter. Now i know that i am likely to be HSV-1 positive from an encounter long ago, and most likely oral from childhood. Big difference mentally.
What if i waited 3 months and got these very same results. I would have assumed that i became HSV-1 positive from this sexual encounter. Now i know that i am likely to be HSV-1 positive from an encounter long ago, and most likely oral from childhood. Big difference mentally.
My biggest question is this: My HSV-2 read a .79 at 1 week after exposure which is a high negative. Would this indicate I am likely to be infected or do a lot of people have a result so close to positive?
I don't know why any doctor would give you an IGG if you told him you were wanting results one week after contact. Did you tell the Dr. exactly why you were testing?
correction, your hsv1 says less than 5. The< sympol means less than. You might want to confirm exactly what that number is as anything 3.5 or below maybe a false postive
An IGG blood test after one only one week is not enough time to give you information about anything new. However, if the IGG score is >5 for HSV1, that would show a very high probability you are positive for HSV1 and have had it for awhile. I would get to a doctor immediately for a consult regarding the outbreaks you are now experiencing. If any of these symptoms are blistering they can be swabbed, then you can get a test result to see if these symptoms have anything to do with HSV2.
IGG tests would give you a much more accurate reading at a minimum of two months after contact. Best advice, get to your doctor asap. Good luck and let us know what happens.
IGG tests would give you a much more accurate reading at a minimum of two months after contact. Best advice, get to your doctor asap. Good luck and let us know what happens.
Hi most labs stop at 5 so its most likely much higher and indicates an old infection for sure probably from childhood. Yes your negative for hsv2 but that number only means negative and does not signify a recent infection. 8 weeks is a good indicator but 3 months would be the correct window for confirmation.
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Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
