Positive or negative for HSV 2?

[believe1977]

I was tested for all STDs(I went back as a routine 6 month exam because I was diagnosed with HPV last year) on November 17th 2009.  All of my tests came back negative except for HSV 1 and HSV 2.  
HSV 1 IgG : 5.30
HSV 2 IgG: 2.0
I never had any signs of an outbreak(I know about asymptomatic shedding and that my results for HSV 1 are high and are conclusive and that my results are low for HSV 2 < 3.5,so it could be a false positive) so I got a WB done on December 29, 2009. The WB result came back as positive for only HSV 1.  

My last sexual exposure that could have made me at risk for HSV 2 was around September 2, 2009.  My doctor would like for me to come back in 3-4 months to get tested again, but with the time frame of September 2nd-Decmber 29th, it seems that I would have shown positive for HSV 2 by now(I know it could take up to 4 months to test positive).  

I am wondering what steps to take next.  Should I get another test done?  If so, which one, an IgG, WB, BioKit?

I am currently in a serious relationship with my boyfriend who is negative for all STDs(bloodtest IgG).  We have not been together sexually, and he knows about my status. We will be using condoms when we become sexually active. My doctor pescribed me Valacyclovir 500 mg once daily.  Is this the correct dosage to take to lower the transmission rate for HSV I and HSV II?  If not, what is the correct dosage to lower the risk of transmission?  If I have an outbreak, what will my dosage be then?

Thank you very much.  I learned a lot through this website, ASHA, and Westover Heights.  I find it very difficult discussing my concerns with my current OBGYN because she is very busy, and this area does not seem to be her specialty. Keep up the good work!

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I'm glad you found us and have done your homework so thoroughly.   Great that you got a western blot, good for you!  Was your physician open to this test or did she suggest it?  

I think your are probably fine in terms of HSV 2, but since the person who already has HSV 1 takes a little longer to become positive by antibody test to HSV 2, it might be a good idea to retest, given your low positive in late December.  If money is not an issue, I would proceed with another western blot, and I would do it in about a month.  It is also important, when your doctor requests the test, do ask for a comparison with the other test (she should write this out and list the date of the first test on the lab request form).  Another way to approach it would be to have the September partner tested. If he is negative for HSV 2, then you can put your worries aside.

500 mg of Valtrex for suppression is appropriate, yes.  If you get an outbreak, I use the dose of 2 grams, then 12 hours later, 2 grams again, and that's it.  I all just happens on one day.  

Please come back and ask any more question that you have.

Terri

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Yes, I do believe if the test is still negative you are in the clear!
Good job with your doc and the western blot, and good for your doc for not protesting!

Terri

[believe1977]

Thank you! Your help in this matter is very much appreciated!

No, my physician did not suggest the western blot to confirm my first round of tests.  She just gave me a pescription for Valtrex(I chose the generic version) and I was on my way!  I actually suggested the test due to research on helpful websites like this one!  When I asked for a western blot to confirm, my physician wanted to know why.  I proceeded to tell her(well, her nurse over the phone)about the information I have found about being HSV 1  positive with a low HSV 2 positive result < 3.5 which could indicate a possible false positive for the HSV 2.  

I am taking your advice and will be going back in a month to get another western blot  performed.  If this result comes back negative for HSV 2, would I be in the clear?  I assume that if my results are positive, I do in fact have HSV 2, correct?
Also, will taking Valacyclovir interfer with my test results?  

I know I still might be positive for HSV 2 and I can handle the fact.  I'm looking forward to knowing where I stand, so I can have piece of mind and deal with this situation in the correct manner.  

Thanks again!