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Very confused on our test results and clinical presentation
First I would like to say thank you for your time.
My wife of 15 years has been diagnosed with BOTH Herpes Type 1 and 2. She has had the Elsia positive type 1 and 2 done in 2008 and the Western Blot in Washington in 2010, both positive again. Clinically to this date, I have never observed any lesion anywhere on her. Her OB says she saw one once, while at the same time I did not. I do have trust in her OB. I have been tested twice, Elisa, 6 months apart, both negative. I have never experienced any lesion or skin issues of any kind ever in my life. As an aside, I have a strong medical back ground, but not in ID. Over the past 2 years I have read many journal articles, books and websites about various topics on herpes and still have unanswered questions.
My questions are:
1] What is the risk of transmission to me? After 15 years together, I am negative twice by Elisa, she is positive for type 1 and 2 by both Elisa and Western Blot. Given transmission rate data and probability, I do not see how our current viral status is probable. Take into account 4+ years of unprotected sex while trying to have a family. (Reference: Wald et al, J Infect Dis, 2006, 270 days disclose verses 60 days not disclose)
2] Is it possible she has a false positive on both the Elisa and WB? I know I am asking the impossible, but is there any other antibody that would give false positive on both the Type 1 and Type 2, on BOTH tests? I cannot find anything in the literature. She did test positive for Lyme in her 20’s and never clinically had symptoms.
3] Assuming a true infection, what steps need to be take to decrease/eliminate the risk of transmission and how effective are those steps? Once again I am finding different rates of effectiveness. Typical solutions include abstinence, followed by some protection from barriers. There is the question of prophylactic valacyclovir. No vaccines yet, but some old trials were mentioned vaguely.
Thank you for your time.
My wife of 15 years has been diagnosed with BOTH Herpes Type 1 and 2. She has had the Elsia positive type 1 and 2 done in 2008 and the Western Blot in Washington in 2010, both positive again. Clinically to this date, I have never observed any lesion anywhere on her. Her OB says she saw one once, while at the same time I did not. I do have trust in her OB. I have been tested twice, Elisa, 6 months apart, both negative. I have never experienced any lesion or skin issues of any kind ever in my life. As an aside, I have a strong medical back ground, but not in ID. Over the past 2 years I have read many journal articles, books and websites about various topics on herpes and still have unanswered questions.
My questions are:
1] What is the risk of transmission to me? After 15 years together, I am negative twice by Elisa, she is positive for type 1 and 2 by both Elisa and Western Blot. Given transmission rate data and probability, I do not see how our current viral status is probable. Take into account 4+ years of unprotected sex while trying to have a family. (Reference: Wald et al, J Infect Dis, 2006, 270 days disclose verses 60 days not disclose)
2] Is it possible she has a false positive on both the Elisa and WB? I know I am asking the impossible, but is there any other antibody that would give false positive on both the Type 1 and Type 2, on BOTH tests? I cannot find anything in the literature. She did test positive for Lyme in her 20’s and never clinically had symptoms.
3] Assuming a true infection, what steps need to be take to decrease/eliminate the risk of transmission and how effective are those steps? Once again I am finding different rates of effectiveness. Typical solutions include abstinence, followed by some protection from barriers. There is the question of prophylactic valacyclovir. No vaccines yet, but some old trials were mentioned vaguely.
Thank you for your time.
It is possible for your wife to be asymptomatic but it is also possible for you not to get infected even if you and your wife have been together in a very long monogamous relationship. It can take a number or sexual exposures with her but you may not even be exposed for transmission. I really cannot so much able this because I am only helpful in giving help and not medical expertise. You may ask one of our medical experts for assistance but for a fee, of course. They will have better knowledge than me. If you have further questions, please post this in the herpes community next time. It will help us get to your question faster.
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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.
