Antibody Screening & Pregnant

[Oliver11]

Hello,

I was recently given the HSV IGG antibody test during my first prenatal visit with my ob/gyn. The test came back positive for HSV II with an index of greater than 8. I understand this to mean its a positive; however, I have never an outbreak (that I can recall or that I noticed). Does this mean I have HSV II or that I am just carrying the antibodies? Does an index of greater than 8 tell me anything/is it indicative of anything? My pap smear also came back positive for HPV – is it possible i have the herpes strain of HPV (its my understanding one exist but I am unclear on this)? This came as a quit a shock to me I am finding it very difficult to deal with the anxiety associated with the test result. My doctor plans on putting me on Valtrex for the last 30 days of the pregnancy just to prevent any issues.

I look forward to your insight.

[Terri Warren]

An index value of greater than 8 on the standard screening test means that you are both infected and could infect others. I give huge kudos to your provider for doing this valuable test. At the end of your pregnancy, your provider will likely put you on daily medicine to reduce the risk of infecting your baby at delivery. The level of antibody just means that this is an older infection for you and that you have mounted a substantial immune response. You will pass antibody to your baby during the last part of your pregnancy so even if you happen to be giving off virus at the time of delivery, combined with the medicine, the risk to your baby is tiny. They will also be looking for outbreaks and if you have one at delivery, you will likely have a c-section.

There is no herpes strain of HPV, you’ve got that mixed up. The pap likely was accompanied by an HPV test and most providers only look for what we call the high risk strains – that is, strains that may go on to cause cervical cancers if left untreated. You should check and be sure that’s what they found.

Instead of feeling too upset, please feel grateful that they discovered your infection and now can act to provide your baby with the greatest possible protection. There will be an adjustment time for you, of course, with this news, but when you start to get too upset, remember how fortunate you are to have had a provider who identified this for you.

Do you have a partner? Have they been tested as well?

Terri

[Oliver11]

Thank you for your response. I am married and have been with him for a little over two and half years. I was sexually active prior to him and had a few episodes of unprotected sex while in relationships with these men. My husband receives a yearly STD test which comes back negative, although I don’t think he has had the blood screen. He has had no reported outbreaks. If I have never had an outbreak is it possible that it can stay dormant forever?

[Terri Warren]

It is possible to stay dormant but usually, once a person has been diagnosed, they will be able to identify an outbreak within 6 months.

Terri

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