cross reactivity hsv 1 and 2

[crosstk]

Hi,

I was recently told by a person I slept with 6 weeks ago that they have tested positive for herpes. We did use a condom but I had a Herpes Select AB test performed a couple of days ago.

I have had cold sores my whole life so I knew I would test positive for HSV 1 IGG: it came to an index of 5.0

The assay for the HSV 2 IGG came to an index of only .06.

I have read that it can take four months for enough antibodies to become present to be diagnosed as Herpes, but could this also just be a cross reactivity from the presence of HSV 1 in my body, considering the HSV 2 number is only .06?

I have had no signs or symptoms of genital herpes.

Very worried. Could this be a false positive result because of the HSV 1? Plan to be tested again after 4 months have passed since intercourse, but I wanted to know your opinion/knowledge on this situation.

Thank you.

[Terri Warren]

Could what be a false positive? You have a definite negative HSV 2 index value. Are you asking if that person could have a false positive because of your HSV 1 index value? If that is your question, most certainly not. And did they test positive for HSV 1 or 2?

Terri

[crosstk]

hi again,

the person I slept with tested positive for hsv 2. I’m just confused… So if I have any trace of an hsv 2 antibody within me, does that mean I have been exposed and could potentially become positive with hsv 2 after 4 months? Or is the .06 index of hsv 2 that I received maybe just an error considering my hsv 1 index is very high at 5. Is there any risk of me passing this on to other partners?

Thank you

[Terri Warren]

The .06 index value is a solid negative. It is almost never zero – it is a measure of light density and there is always a little light coming through the machine so you always get some kind of value. But yes, it is also possible that you could become antibody positive (>1.1) between now and a test at 4 months post exposure. If you did acquire herpes and you have sex with someone else, then yes, you could pass this to someone else prior to showing positive yourself on an antibody test.

Terri

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