Third round test results received

[Adjusting1]

I have received results of my third round of testing and would like guidance about what these results mean.  From lab draw July 16th, my HSV2 IgG is 1.47.  It was 1.06 on July 2nd lab draw and was 2.12 on a June 24th lab draw.  My internist characterized the increase between 7/2 and 7/16 as significant and stated it indicates I do have genital herpes and that my exposure is recent.  I remain confused about whether I have it, why the lab values are changing with each lab draw, and whether I should make any assumptions regarding my current partner's status.  He and I have been in an exclusive relationship since late March and it does not appear he's willing to be tested.  Do I need to accept that I have HSV2 given these labs?  Do I need to pressure him to be tested?  Thanks again for your assistance.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I think I understood the timing of the tests, yes.  The infection could have come from either partner.

Terri

[Adjusting1]

My apologies. I realized I'm creating confusion. I had a negative test June of 2009 and my first positive test result of 2.12 in June 2010. My current relationship began March 26 2010. The previous relationship ended March 13 2010. Sorry about the mistyped dates in previous posts.

[Adjusting1]

My Initial test was done June 24th of this year. I started an exclusive relationship with my current partner on March 26th. The relationship I was in before this one ended mid-March. Sounds like the infection is from one of those two men, correct? I think that my current partner's unwillingness to be tested might cause the relationship to end. I am having trouble getting past my anger.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

How long before you were testing in June of 2009 did you have sex with anyone else?  If it was at least 4 months, then I would say that the very most likely explanation is that you were infected from this partner.  Yes, the western blot only gives a positive or negative result, there are no numbers present.  I would certainly encourage your partner to be tested, yes.  If he won't, then there isn't much you can do nor anything that you should do about your current situation.  but if you don't stay together, then there are concerns for future partners for both of you.

Terri

[Adjusting1]

Hi Terri-
I got my WB results today and my internist stated they are positive.  He did not give me a numerical result, but instead just stated it's positive for previous exposure.  Given the timeline of everything, how likely is it that my current partner is the source of my infection/seroconversion?  The timeline is as follows:

June 2009 negative HSV2 test
March 26, 2009 started exclusive relationship with current partner
6/24/10 - HSV2 IgG 2.12
7/2/10 IgG HSV2 1.06
7/16 IgG HSV2 1.47
Western Blot drawn 7/30 is positive

How safe is the assumption that my seroconversion is a result of exposure from my current partner?  He still does not seem willing to be tested.

Thanks for your help.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Perfect, good job!  Yes, for sure, post and let me know how it goes.

Terri

[Adjusting1]

Thank you for your response. My internist did not know the 2.12 value. He was only comparing the July 2nd value (1.06) and the July 16th value (1.47). I went to Quest today and had a blood draw for Western blot. My partner does not wish to be tested butsays he will do so if my WB comes back positive or equivocal. If ok, I will post my WB results on this thread when I receive them. Thank you again.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

If you were my patient, I would advise you to get a herpes western blot to resolve this low positive value.  Since your June value was higher than you July value, I have no idea why your internist would think you have new infection.  New infections are indicated by a low value going to a higher one, not the reverse.  The lab value absolutely will change with each draw because the index value (the number) results from a comparison with a control value, which will change with each testing session.  I would recommend that your partner be tested, yes, either before or after you have the western blot to see where you stand.  If your doctor could use Quest labs, the code is 34534.  You need this test done for clarification.  If your boyfriend is negative, then I would be even more suspicious of this test results.  Let me know how it turns out, OK?

Terri