Accept or WB?

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Hello,

My husband and I are in an ENM relationship. We always ask for very recent testing (with visual proof) from all partners before engaging in any sexual activities. All partners have been negative for both HSV1&2 per IGG or IGM testing.

I tested in July 2022 for HSV1&2 – negative for 1, low positive for 2 (HSV2 – IGG 1.39). Labcorp told me it was probably a false positive. Supplemental testing came back negative.

I tested again in Jan 2022. HSV1&2 came back positive;
HSV1 – IGG 1.00
HSV2 – IGG 5.34
Labcorp supplemental testing – positive for both HSV1&2 (no IGG levels provided)

I have never had any herpes symptoms or outbreaks above or below. My husband hasn’t either. I tested positive for BV in September (textbook BV symptoms), put on antibiotics and it cleared up within 2-3 days. Husband had a UTI in August, which also cleared up within 3-5 days with antibiotics. Could either of these been our “initial outbreak”? I’m assuming not, since both cleared with antibiotics. We have contacted our partners – they have had NO symptoms or outbreaks.

I have done a ton of research and understand the unreliability of these tests. That being said, should I accept that I have both HSV1&2 or should I purchase a WB?

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Edit: I tested again in Jan 2023.

[Terri Warren]

Hmmmm. I don’t know what an ENM relationship is but I can assume there are multiple partners involved. Your IgG test jumped a lot and you moved to a positive supplemental. That could be a false positive and you need a western blot to confirm. However, if you are relying on IgM testing of any partner, that is a big mistake. Also, the IgG test misses 8% of HSV 2 infections.

Terri

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I will schedule a consultation/WB purchase with you in a few weeks. I want to be past the 12 week mark before taking the test.

Have you seen someone get a false positive on both the IgG AND the supplemental testing through Labcorp? I’m not holding out much hope considering I got two positives. However, my numbers are low enough that I will definitely get the western blot to confirm.

[Terri Warren]

I have definitely seen someone have a positive on the IgG and the supplemental and be negative on the gold standard western blot. In fact, I now have 100 patients with this situation. You need the blot

Terri

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