Interp of varying HSV results

[fh3489y90d]

Hello Dr. and thank your expertise and assistance here.

I've resigned myself to accepting that I now have HSV2, but wanted your consult as to why I'm getting the varying HerpeSelect results as follows:

July 2010:  HSV1 positive by throat culture (first outbreak); HSV1 and HSV2 negative per HerpeSelect IgGs.
7/18/11:  HSV1 IgG = 3.3; HSV2 IgG = 3.1  (testing undertaken due to severe suspected yeast inf following unprotected sex w/boyfriend; also developed another cold sore at this time)
7/27/11:  HSV1 positive by Western Blot; HSV2 indeterminate by Western Blot
8/17/11:  HSV1 IgG = 1.3; HSV2 IgG = 6.7

Just curious why the HSV1 result is now so low as to be in a false positive range (especially since culture, WB, and documented first outbreak make for strong positive)? Are the HSV2 antibodies overpowering my HSV1 antibodies now?

Thanks very much for your time.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Glad to help.Take care. EWH

[fh3489y90d]

Definitely helpful. Thanks very much Dr. Hook.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum. I agree, your tests seem to indicate that you have both HSV-1 and HSV-2.  The positive culture and Western blot for HSV-1 solidly make the diagnosis and the increasing value of your HSV-2 results o as well.  The two HerpeSelect tests for HSV antibodies do not perform equally however. For both tests values can vary, going up or down a bit from time to time.  The test for HSV-1 antibodies is not as reliable as the test for HSV2 and this may contribute to the fluctuation you have seen.

I hope these comments are helpful. EWH