Conflicting HSV2 Results

[PeachNikes]

Hello Terri,

I have conflicting HSV2 results from variety of different tests.

For context, I am certain that I have HSV1 because I had a cold sore twice when I was a teenager. I am not worried about that since most individuals acquire HSV1 orally as kids. The only sexual interaction I’ve ever had was oral sex once with my partner and they tested negative for HSV2 and positive for HSV1, so it would be highly unlikely to be infected with HSV1 genitally because I’m already protected. I also never had traditional sex.

I took the STD panel and these were the first results
______________
5/31/21

HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS 1/2 AB IgM – Value: 1.28

“<=0.90 – Negative
0.91-1.09 – Equivocal
=>1.10 – Positive

Underneath the results, it states
Results of the HSV1 and HSV1 ELISA test are not by themselves diagnostic and should be interpreted in light of patients clinical condition and the results of other diagnostic tests.
_____________
6/1/21

This next test does not show any index values.

HERPES SIMPLEX I/II ANTIBODY IGG

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Antibody IGG – Positive
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Antibody IGG – Positive

Underneath the results, it states
“This assay may not accurately distinguish between antibody to HSV 1 and HSV 2. Recommend HSV 1 AND HSV 2 glycoprotein testing, when clinically indicated.
_____________
6/3/21 – They retested the same serology sample and these are the results

HERPES SIMPLEX I/II ANTIBODY IGG

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Antibody IGG – Negative
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Antibody IGG – Negative
_________________
6/4/21 – I finally received the specific type testing

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Glycoprotein G Ab, IgG – Positive
Herpes Simplex Virus 2 Glycoprotein G Ab, IgG – Negative
______________
7/26/21 – I got tested for HSV2 again to be certain

Herpes Simplex Virus 2 Glycoprotein G Ab, IgG – Negative
____________
7/26/21
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 AND 2 by PCR (using Aptima Herpes Assay from Hologic)

HSV1 – Negative
HSV2 – Negative

[Terri Warren]

Wow, I can see why you are confused.
First, the IgM is a poor test and the CDC says never to use to try to diagnose herpes.
Next, it looks like a combined HSV 1 and 2 test was ordered which also should never be used as there are false positives here as well and if you have HSV 1 already, it can make the HSV 2 part of the test look positive.
Next, you had the proper test done although this type of test does not give an index value, which is very useful in understanding what is going on. But that’s OK. It picked up your HSV 1 infection
And then next, for reasons that are completely unknown, a blood PCR test was done which is of course negative because herpes is not in your blood, it is in nerves and skin.
Whoever did all of this ordering is confused about how to detect herpes through blood testing.

Terri

[PeachNikes]

Thanks for your response. I came to the same evaluation about the combined serology tests, that it was both flagged positive because I have HSV1. I feel like I should sue the doctor that ordered the test because it caused me so much emotional distress for ONE year..

Considering that I only had one sexual interaction which was oral with someone that tested negative for HSV2, and that the HSV2 specific type testing with glycoprotein resulted in negative twice, should I assume that I don’t have HSV2? Is this what you interpreted from my results?

I also never had any genital herpes symptoms.

[Terri Warren]

It looks from what you posted that these tests were done closer together than a year, no?

Terri

• This reply was modified 8 months, 4 weeks ago by Terri Warren.

[PeachNikes]

Yes, the specific antibody test were done 50 days apart. The first in June 6 2021 and the second in July 26th, 2021.
To be more clear, I got tested for Herpes Simplex Virus 2 Glycoprotein G Ab, IgG, ONE YEAR AFTER I had oral sex with my partner. My partner also tested in August 2021and their results were negative for HSV 2 Glycoprotein G Ab IgG.

I only got an STD panel because we wanted to take our relationship further, although I’m a virgin and never had traditional vaginal sex. So I wouldn’t know how It would be possible to have HSV2 if my only sexual encounter was oral with one person that doesn’t have HSV2..

[Terri Warren]

aaaaw, I understand now. Thanks for that clarification.

Terri

[PeachNikes]

No problem. What do you interpret from my HSV2 results? How likely is it that I have HSV2?

[Terri Warren]

these tests say you don’t have HSV 2.

Terri

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