Hsv-2 5.49 false positive?

[victoryalex2]

Good afternoon! I went for a routine std panel and was shocked that I tested negative for hsv1 and positive for hsv2 with an index of 5.49 the test was a tGg test as well. I have never experienced any outbreaks and I have been asymptomatic. I only agreed to the test because I didn’t think it could hurt, but I never expected it to be positive due to my lack of symptoms. I had my doctor order a western blot test but I was wondering what is the likelihood of this result being a false positive seeing as I have never had an outbreak or symptom? My doctor told me that although I might have tested positive, it does not mean I have genital herpes, is this also true?

[victoryalex2]

Hi Terri I understand you are traveling with limited connection, my situation is a bit urgent as I am going back in to get a WB test tomorrow ordered by my doctor. Do you believe this will be a waste of money or do you think I should go ahead with it? Again what might be the likelihood that the WB might be negative? I recently experienced mono symptoms and was treated for enlarged lymphnodes in the neck and jaw but none in the groin area as well as no outbreak or itchiness or anything indicative of an outbreak. At the time of the swollen lymph nodes, I was not sexually active and had not been for a couple months. Any information you have will be helpful, thank you!

• This reply was modified 1 month, 3 weeks ago by victoryalex2.

[victoryalex2]

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• This reply was modified 1 month, 3 weeks ago by victoryalex2.

[Terri Warren]

So here’s the deal – you need to be certain that the test they are ordering is the herpes western blot from the University of Washington, not the immunoblot, which is crap for confirmation.
I think it is likely you will confirm, but I have most definitely seen false positives are your index value and way above. I have seen false positives up to 17.

And if you do test positive accurately, that means you are both infected and potentially infectious to others.

Terri

[victoryalex2]

Thank you for your response. My doctor is unsure if she ordered the correct test, but I will give her the information for the proper western blot test at my follow up appointment. Are most people who test positive for hsv-2 asymptomatic? If so it appears that my doctor should have never tested me in the first place according to the cdc. I’ve never had any genital bumps or warts, lesions or anything of the sort so I’m still a bit taken back from the results. I’m thinking if scheduling a visit with you just in case my doctors follow up does not satisfy my need for completely confirmation.

[Terri Warren]

Yes, 80% of those who are actually infected with HSV 2 would say that haven’t had symptoms of herpes, though likely that actually did at some point. If you need to get the western blot kit from UW to work with your doctor, the number is 206-685-6066.

TErri

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