GHSV 1 or possible false negative for HSV 2

[Scaredandtramatized]

I have been tested 3 times for HSV using IGG.

First test in 2016 was negative for both. I could not find the paperwork but I know index values were less than 0.1.

Second test in 2017 was positive for HSV 1. HSV 1 2.69 HSV 2 0.05

Third test about a week ago was positive for HSV 1. HSV 1 35 HSV 2 0.08.

Since the initial HSV 1 positive result I have never had a cold sore. However in the beginning of the month I was date raped with a condom. There was some genital to genital contact before he put on a condom. As in he started to have unprotected sex with me and thought better of it. Minimal penetration that lasted a few seconds. After this I was forced to have intercourse with him 4 times each time protection was used.

6 days after the rape I had an outbreak. I first thought it to be
Folliculitis due to underwear chafing so I did not immediately seek help. The lesions were only present where my underwear had rubbed me and very wide spread. They improved with the application of hydrocortisone but never fully healed. Paranoia sent me to the doctor a week after the sores appeared. I was told they were too healed to swab but looked liked herpes. I was sent to get a blood test 2 weeks after exposure (third test) and diagnosed with genital HSV 1. Doctor thought the combination of stress from the rape and chafing triggered an outbreak. I am nervous that it’s possible it’s HSV 2 and my results are a false negative. My doctor dismissed this notion saying the index value was super low combined with the fact the sex was protected made HSV 2 unlikely and said I did not need any follow up testing. I did a 5 day round of antivirals and the sores are still not fully healed 3 weeks later. They never scabbed over and just look like red blotches now. What are your thoughts Terri? Is it possible this not herpes at all?

[Terri Warren]

It is certainly possible that this is not herpes. And it is difficult to know if the lab and test done in 2016 was the same as the one done in 2017. Testing is not great for HSV 1 and the first test could have missed it and the second one picked it up. I’m a little confused about the timing here – did you test positive for HSV 1 prior to the date rape or after?

The location of the lesions doesn’t seem very consistent with a normal herpes presentation. I would suggest that if they show up again,you get them swab tested immediately.

Terri

[Scaredandtramatized]

I did test positive to HSV 1 prior to the rape. No history of cold sores. The lab test was done at a different lab as the subsequent tests.

I have very sensitive skin. I had shaved my pubic hair, was using a new soap and wearing a synthetic thong and was walking around the entire day the day the bumps appeared. It seemed folliculitis was the logical explanation. When the sores popped there was yellowish fluid that resembled pus to me. My thinking for why they haven’t healed is they are infected. I was diagnosed with a UTI over the weekend.

My big concern here is whether or not I contracted HSV2 from my rapist. Having to deal with the rape is hard enough but is compounded with the stress of possibly contracting herpes from him. I guess the only thing I can do is wait for 3 months and get tested again or have them swabbed if they show up again. Fingers crossed they don’t. Given your experience is it likely he gave it to me? Also does my index value being so low mean anything in terms of likelihood.

[Terri Warren]

The low index value is definitely good. And herpes lesions normally do not have pus in them so that’s good too. It sounds to me like there was very little contact without a condom which is also great. Condoms reduce transmission of HSV 2 by 96%. I would say the risk is really low

Terri

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