Herpes Blood Test results

[salruano]

Hi,
Recently I ordered an STD Panel and was surprised when the results came back positive for HSV 2 at 14.30 on the IgG antibody test. I ordered a follow up test two months later which included HSV 1 as well. The results came back positive for both at 16.5 for HSV2 and 50.4 for HSV1. Beyond the fact that I’m positive both HSV1 and 2, is there any other information I can garner from these numbers?
I am almost positive I acquired HSV2 recently (this summer) yet have not experienced any kind of outbreak. My partner who I have been with for 17 years, despite a brief separation (you guessed it– last summer) has tested positive for HSV1 (49.1) and has had cold sores since childhood. I have never had any outbreaks on my mouth either.
Thanks

[Terri Warren]

What lab was used to run your test? It was not done by the Herpeselect; I’m guessing maybe LabCorp?
Unfortunately, it looks like a strong positive so I don’t think confirmatory testing will change the picture or you. The numbers at this point cannot tell you anything about how long you have had this – it could be this summer or much longer ago. So your regular partner is vulnerable to acquiring HSV 2 from you. It is likely that you have not had recognized outbreaks because you have a robust HSV 1 antibody response that has likely keep you asymptomatic.

Is it at all possible to get this other person tested? If he is negative for HSV 2, then you’ve had this for at least 17 years, assuming you’ve had no other partners, and it is unlikely that your regular partner will all of a sudden get HSV 2 from you, though it is possible.

Terri

[salruano]

Yes, it was Labcorp. I guess what I’m wondering is whether the numbers (with HSV1 antibody number being so much higher) show that I definitely acquired HSV1 before HSV2?
Regarding my partner- he has tested negative for HSV 2, but since we don’t know whether my HSV 2 was acquired recently or not, I understand we should probably take the regular precautions.
Thanks

[Terri Warren]

People almost ALWAYS contract HSV 1 prior to contracting HSV 2, vs. the other way around. HSV 2 infection appears to be protective against acquiring new HSV 1 infection for reasons we do not fully understand. What was the date of your last sexual contact this summer?
You know, if you really want to be certain about this, you could get a western blot.
Have you spoken with the summer partner? He has been tested? That sure would be helpful information for you and your partner.

Terri

[salruano]

It seems the values on both my HSV1 and HSV2 results are high enough that they don’t need confirmation- would the western blot yield more information beyond that? Locating, never mid testing summer partner is a longshot. The reason I was wondering about the order of acquisition was to possibly shed light on why I’ve experienced no visible genital or oral outbreaks. How common is it to test positive for both and be asymptomatic for both?

[Terri Warren]

I think the western blot would confirm both, yes, but I’m less confident about the LabCorp positives these days.
Actually, it is quite common to be positive for both and have no symptoms. More common than you might imagine. However, research shows that once you’ve been identified as infected, many people, actually most people, can identify an outbreak within about 3-6 months. But I have to say that some people never end up identifying an outbreak particularly of HSV 2. The most likely explanation is that the antibody to HSV 1 which is very similar to HSV 2 keeps the HSV 2 symptoms well under control. As for HSV 1, many people acquire this as children and may build enough of a general immune response that they don’t get them as adults and forget about the childhood cold sores.

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Terri

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