Can your numbers be affected if you had Epstein barr

[Nc1967]

Hi I tested positive for hsv 1 and 2.it stated hsv 1 glycoprotein igG 62.2 my hsv 2 number was 3.7 I know I have hsv 1 because I will occasionally get outbreaks on my lips when sick.i have never had a genitAl outbreak that I’m aware of.my husband of 16 years tested negative..I have read that numbers up to 3.5 can be a false possitive.what are my chances of the hsv 2 being a false positiv? Now I have also read if you had Epstein Barr that this might also give a false positive. Please help!

[Terri Warren]

To my knowledge, there is no specific research showing that a high EBV antibody level has anything to do with a false positive IgG for HSV 2. You are being tested by something other than the usual tests (Captia and herpeselect brands) because your HSV 1 score is so high. However, it fits well that having a high HSV 1 score ca “bleed over” a bit into a false positive HSV 2. You are an excellent example of someone who needs a herpes western blot to look at your HSV 2. You can order that directly through UW or our clinic can usually order the test for you to be drawn at a lab near you and sent to UW. At this point, instead of feeling upset about the HSV 2 score, I would just proceed with getting this confirmatory test, step by step.

You’ve got two more posts – please feel free to ask anything else you might wonder about.

Terri

[Nc1967]

Hi terry and thankyou I’ve been to 4 doctors including an infectious disease doctor and they all basically tell me that it’s just a skin rash get over it. I know they mention the cut off for a low positive is 3.5 if my numbers are 3.7 is this an indication that I’m most likely positive? I have made an appointment for a phone consult with you I definAtely want to get testing done..My reason about the Epstein Barr question is in my paperwork they wrote “heterotypic igm antibody responses may occur in patients with Epstein Barr virus and give a false hsv 1 and hsv 2 results.” Like I already said I know I have hsv 1 I had my first outbreak in my 20’s on my lip after being in the sun but have never had a genital outbreak that I’m aware of thankyou for your time and help..I’ve been losing sleep for over a month

[Terri Warren]

So you didn’t mention that you also had an IgM test done, or I missed it. Other viruses can make the IgM test look positive when it is not which is why an IgM test should never be used to try to diagnose herpes.

The 3.5 cutoff is for the typically used test – yours was not that, I don’t believe, though I cannot be certain. Those numbers are just very high on the HSV1 to be the herpeselect for sure – not as certain about the Captia test. At any rate, you do need a confirmatory test done and my office can help you get that. I am out of the office until next week but others there can help you obtain the western blot. I most certainly think you need it.

From a physical medicine point of view, yes, herpes is a bothersome skin infection. But I think that is an oversimplification as it does not deal with the psychosocial implications for those infected.

Terri

[Nc1967]

Thanks Terri I’m not exactly sure what test they have me it states herpes simplex igg/igm panel. It also says this assay utilizes type specific glycoprotein g1and g2 for detection of igg as recommended by CDC and at the bottom it states positive herpes 1/2 igm Elisa results should be confirmed with herpes 1 and 2 glycoprotein g specific igg antibodies..thanks again will talk to you on Tuesday at 4:20

[Terri Warren]

OK, sounds good. Ignore the IgM, it is the IgG you pay attention to which looks to me like the 3.7. Anyway, a western blot will help clarify

Terri

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