High hsv1 (symptomatic), relatively low hv2(asymptomatic)

[qazsleepy]

Hello!

I recently asked my doctor give me a herpes test because I was surprised it wasn’t on the STD test when I had asked for a “complete” STD test. I wanted to see what strain the cold sores I get on my mouth was. I have been getting them for about a year and contracted it when someone made out with me 4 days after an outbreak on my lips 🙁 However, I have never had an outbreak on my genitals.

It came back positive for both hsv1 and hsv2. However, there were no index levels and it didn’t indicate the type the test was. Therefore, I decided go get a walk in test at a Labcorp. The results were as follows:

HSV Type 1-Specific Ab, IgG – 60
HSV-2 Type Spec Ab, IgG w/Rflx – 4.44
SV-2 IgG Supplemental Test – “posiive”

I have never had any symptoms on my genitals. I have had unprotected sex in the past with individuals who have said they’re clean. I am also a sex worker, which I know increases my liklihood of getting herpes and STI’s in general. However, this has been crushing because I love being a sex worker, and I cannot just hide it; I strongly believe in informed consent.

I asked my healthcare provider (who didn’t provide the labcorp results) how likly it is tha it was a false positive and she said, “The HSV-2 test is unlikely to be a false positive.” but I have never had a genital outbreak and I practice safe sex with clients.

I have read that hsv1 scores can impact hsv2 scores, and it says on the labcorp results that levels of 0.91-5 may be false positives.

Should I ge a W blot test? What’s the liklihood of it being a false positive impacted by my high hsv1 level?

Is it true that herpes can present itself in a simple itch? Like, it doesn’t have to be full sores?

Is it possible to have both hsv1 and hsv2 present in my mouth/lips?

Additionally, I began taking valtrex 4 days ago. How long does it take for a w blot ot arrive if my doctor is able to order it for me? Can I order it myself and interpret the results, or does a doctor need to be involved?

• This topic was modified 3 months, 1 week ago by qazsleepy.

[Terri Warren]

the HSV 1 can impact the HSV 2, yes. I do think you need the western blot to clarify. We’ve had many false positives on the supplemental test from LabCorp. It is very unlikely you have both orally – more likely you have HSV 1 orally and HSV 2 genitally.

If there is a possibility that you have brand new HSV 2, I would advise discontinuing the Valtrex until you get the blot. You can order the kit from UW, 206-685-6066, and provide it to your doctor for the blood draw and have them fill out the order. You cannot order this one yourself, no, a health care provider must be involved in the order.

Terri

[qazsleepy]

I also asked: Is it true that herpes can present itself in a simple itch? Like, it doesn’t have to be full sores?

Is 4.44 likely to be false positive? How likely? I saw a conference poster of yours with Westover Research Group that said 31/33 of the subjects who tested positive with the biokit (same as the one I took) within values of 1.1 and 5.0 were false posisitves, so I have high hopes. Or am I getting my hopes up?

Also how likely is hsv2 to spread via unprotected oral sex with a male partner while there are no outbreaks? How likely is my hsv1 to spread via oral sex while there are no outbreaks? I can find statistics on PIV sex but am having difficulty finding facts about oral…

So I could call to order and have them deliver it to my doctor, or I have to have my doctor call and order it?

[Terri Warren]

Herpes can be present without any detectable symptoms, but yes, it can present as an itch, but so can many other things.

I have certainly seen false positive at 4.4 and way above but that is less likely than if your index value was below 3.5. Definitely worth confirming however.

Not clear if you are talking about giving or receiving oral sex in your post.
You can order the western blot kit and bring it to your doctor – 206-685-6066

Terri

[qazsleepy]

I will try to make the question more clear. 1) If I perform unprotected oral sex on a male, how likely is it for them to get hsv1 on their genitals? How about if I perform it on a woman? 2)If a male performs oral sex on me, how likely is it for them to get hsv2 from my hsv2 (if I have it)? Is this any different for a woman? I know its low (and slightly higher for women?) but is there an exact number for both these questions

3) I have listened to a few podcasts now about hsv2 and disclosure and there seems to be this general idea that having sex with someone who knows they have hsv2 is “safer” than having sex with someone who doesn’t, especially in the sex industry. What is your expert opinion on this?

4) Do you have an expert opinion on disclosure? Should I tell past individuals that I had any kind of sex with about these results?

5) Can you give me an “explain it like I’m 5” summary of the western blot?

[Terri Warren]

1) If I perform unprotected oral sex on a male, how likely is it for them to get hsv1 on their genitals? How about if I perform it on a woman?
We don’t have transmission data for HSV 1 oral infection to the genitals of someone else.
2)If a male performs oral sex on me, how likely is it for them to get hsv2 from my hsv2 (if I have it)?
Unlikely. HSV 2 does not like the mouth.
Is this any different for a woman?
No
I know its low (and slightly higher for women?) but is there an exact number for both these questions
There is not.

3) I have listened to a few podcasts now about hsv2 and disclosure and there seems to be this general idea that having sex with someone who knows they have hsv2 is “safer” than having sex with someone who doesn’t, especially in the sex industry. What is your expert opinion on this?
I actually agree with this as the person who knows they have HSV 2 can do things to reduce transmission, like suppressive therapy and consistent condom use and symptom recognition

4) Do you have an expert opinion on disclosure? Should I tell past individuals that I had any kind of sex with about these results?
I don’t have a recommendation about HSV 2 as we don’t know if you have it yet – if you do, you need to disclose prior to sex
I would recommend disclosing your HSV 1 status prior to giving someone oral sex.

5) Can you give me an “explain it like I’m 5” summary of the western blot?
The blot looks for all 16 antibody proteins that are present with HSV 1 and 2 infections and four must be present to be called positive.. The IgG only looks for one protein.

Terri

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