Low positive, no symptoms

[shouldlaugh]

Hi,

I recently (22 OCT 2010) was tested for HSV1 and 2 as part of an annual physical. The tests (IGG Herpeselect AB) were performed by Quest Diagnostics.

I tested "positive" for both types:

HSV1 - 1.76
HSV2 - 1.62

I am a 51 year old Hispanic man (non African background) and have had my share of partners over the years. I had a partner 20 years ago that had HSV2. She was a health-care professional and was well informed of her situation. We always refrained if she ever felt there was the slightest chance of an outbreak but in every case it was a false alarm that never resulted in an outbreak for her during the course of our relationship. I believe that she also took some form of suppressive medication but I can't recall the name of it.

I also had one partner that I know had HSV1 but again we were careful. I am of course also aware that HSV1 is very common and that it is entirely possible that I have been infected with if for most of my life.

I have never had any symptoms of either form of HSV.

My question is given my background how should I approach testing to verify my status? I do understand that with the test results and my history there is at least some chance that the "low positive" test results may not prove definitive. Whatever the final outcome I would like to determine my true status as soon as I can.

Thanks for your help.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

The results are negative for HSV 2.

Terri

[shouldlaugh]

Hi Terri.

I was re-tested on 11/24/2010 using the (IGG Herpeselect AB).

I had requested the Western Blot but for some reason they applied the other test again. They also only provided me with results for the HSV-2 testing. I haven't been able to speak to the dermatologist that wrote the the test order for me but I will try to reach him tomorrow.

The result was:

HSV-2 .020

What do you make of this?


Thanks,

Shouldlaugh

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I'm not aware of any issues getting the western blot in new Jersey, but there could be.  I guess you'll have to try it to see.  If you have difficulty getting it in New Jersey, there is a physician in New York City named Jeff Gilbert that will be able to get you the western blot.   I doubt that the antifungal pills will give you skin irritation, I've not seen that.

Terri

[shouldlaugh]

Hi Terri,

Thanks so much for your response. I more or less expected you to advise me to take the Western Blot test. I have read that there was some issue with getting that test in New York. I live in New Jersey,is there an issue in NJ that you know of? Also, given the date of the test that I took do you have any recommendation as to how soon to have the test?

To answer your question, no, I have never had a cold sore on my lip. I have had some of what may be prodrome symptoms sporadically over the last week. As I say this has been sporadic and I only noticed this after I had the test results so I am a little concerned that it may be psychosomatic. Even if it if the real deal as i say no lesions. It almost feels more like razor burn.

My Dr. had also prescribed a medication for a fungal condition (small spots on my torso). I can't remember the name of what was prescribed but it was 4 pills which I was instructed to take all at one time (approx. October 27) . I have read that this type of anti-fungal medication can sometimes cause skin irritations for a period after they are taken.

Thanks again,

Shouldlaugh

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

You are correct to question these results.  They could both be correct or both be wrong, since they are in the low positive range.  You could be infected with one and not the other.  Have you ever in your life had a cold sore on your lip?  If yes, then the HSV 1 is correct.  These are not canker sores in the mouth, they are sores on the outside if the lip or in your nose or on your chin.  

I would strongly recommend that you get a western blot from the University of Washington.  It is the best test to sort out a true from a false positive.  It appears that your health care provider is already using Quest, and in all but 6 states, Quest labs can send your sample to the University of WAshington for the test.  The code your provider wants to use to order this test is 34534.  Please take this step.  There is much still to learn about where you stand.

My guess?  You are likely positive for at least one of these two viruses, but that is a total guess.

Terri

[Shadow1234]

Get the biokit or western blot.... Same thing just happened to me and I was negative for hsv 2 after testing with the biokit...