HSV 2 low positive to negative

[SincerelyConfused]

Hi Terri,

I just want to say that you, your forum and this community you’ve built has been a beacon of light in the darkest of place for me.

My last exposure was nearly 8 weeks ago, from a guy I had been exclusively dating for two months whom did not disclose he was HSV 2 positive until we were breaking up. Upon sharing, he mentioned he took antivirals daily and had it for 10 years or so. He never had a break out while we were together.

Upon this news, I was screened via IGG test through Urgent Care. I tested positive for HSV 2 through LabCorp, my index level was 1.26. I’ve never experienced a single symptom. While I’ve always known I’m positive for HSV1, HSV 2 surprised me, based on the research I had done about transmission being 10% over the course of a year.

After much research about cross reactivity and false positives- I tested again a few days ago against the judgement of my doctor and to my surprise, my result for HSV 2 was negative with a negative supplemental and HSV1 44.60 (as expected) I’d love to take the Western Blot, to quell every bit of uncertainty but like many I can’t afford it at the time and afraid I’m at the mercy of IGG blood test for now.

I’m trying to carry on with my life and put this behind me.. the toxic relationship and the diagnosis. The doctors I’ve encountered don’t seem to know much about the virus and it’s crazy making as this has so deeply affected me.

I realize 12 weeks is the optimal window of time to test but after nearly 8 weeks- I’ve presented no symptoms and have a negative test with a negative supplemental.

Do you think this was likely a false positive?
In your opinion, can I interpret this negative test as I’m likely negative?

Navigating this has been so confusing.. I appreciate any advice. You really are a God send.

[SincerelyConfused]

Edit: after looking at my lab result, it appears there wasn’t a supplemental after the negative just more results at the bottom that read: HSV 1/2 AB (IGM), IFA W/RFL TO TITER both hsv1 and hsv 2 negative.

Thank you!

[Terri Warren]

I think you are missing the supplemental results. LabCorp does a supplemental test for anyone with an index value that is positive and below 5.0 The last thing you posted is not the supplemental.

There is very good agreement between the Labcorp supplemental negative and a negative western blot. If your supplemental is negative at 8 weeks out, despite the low positive IgG, I think infection for you is very unlikely.

Terri

[SincerelyConfused]

Hi Terry, I’m sorry for the confusion. The first test through LabCorp came back positive for hsv 2 with an index of 1.26. One month later I tested again at the same Urgent care but they’ve since switched Labs from LabCorp to Quest. The result a few days ago came back negative via Quest. I wasn’t offered a supplemental after the negative. My doctor actually said he would recommend against another IGG test, and said bc I tested positive at 1.26, I would always be a carrier of HSV 2, regardless of the negative results I obtain in the future? Which I know is not true per all of your research. It’s been 8 weeks. In your opinion, can I interpret the negative IGG test as I don’t have HSV 2? I prefer not to go back to this Urgent Care ever again per the care and scoffs I got for questioning my initial low positive result.. it was so uncomfortable, trying to plead my case for another test.

[SincerelyConfused]

Update: I went back and looked at the initial positive test. Labcorp did run a supplemental and it came back positive. The most recent test I took was done through Quest, it came back negative. Terry, I know you get this a lot but this is wrecking my mental health. What do you think the odds are I’ll test negative on the Western Blot? I scheduled a video consult with you set for 10/18 and ordered the kit. If you have something come up sooner, please let me know.

[Terri Warren]

I think the odds are good that you will test negative on the western blot.
I added some spots on the 11th – are they all full? We really can’t do much until you get the kit anyway.

Terri

[SincerelyConfused]

Hi Terri,

I just purchased three additional questions.
I wanted to let you know I received the blot and I’m looking forward to our convo on the 18th.

Update: I may be experiencing my first outbreak but it’s presented very mildly if so. I’m very prone to yeast infections and have known I’ve had one for three weeks or so. Dealing with this ordeal and a bit of depression, I put off treatment.. on Sunday, I started itching profusely on my genitals. By Monday or Tuesday a few tiny (4-5) sores presented where I was itching and sting to the touch. They never presented as a blister but they seem to be open. I’ve been using Monistat antifungal cream to alleviate itching along with two YI pills prescribed to take three days apart. The cream takes away the pain and itch but it hasn’t gone away.

1. If this were my first herpes outbreak, would an antifungal relieve both the pain and itching associated with herpes?

2. Can a typical herpes outbreak present without blisters or should I chalk this up to a yeast rash?

Thank you..

[Terri Warren]

1. If this were my first herpes outbreak, would an antifungal relieve both the pain and itching associated with herpes?
No

2. Can a typical herpes outbreak present without blisters or should I chalk this up to a yeast rash?
I really can’t say – it should have been swab tested right away, but I’m thinking maybe that didn’t happen?

Terri

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