Just Diagnosed with HSV1 and HSV2

[und3rpr3ssure]

I went to the dr to get checked for STDs after an dumb night out and sleeping with a woman I didn’t know. My previous girlfriend had cheated on me and this is something I wanted to do anyway but never got around to it as I have never had any symptoms of any STDs. I have slept with other women unprotected but these were always monogamous relationships. I have had unprotected sex in the past when I was younger but again I have never showed any symptoms. The only thing that I can remember is that for as long I can can remember occasionally my legs while sleeping tingle like bugs are crawling all over them but I have attributed that to restless leg syndrome; I have had this on my upper and lower legs. I understand that in this age we should only be having unprotected sex with the one person we are in a monogamous relationship where we are both tested or aware of the risks of what the other partner may be infected with.

Im 39 and other than the diagnosis of HSV1 and HSV2 in perfect health from what the DR has said; nothing else tested positive.

The dr said they tested for anti bodies and that they were sure that I was infected with both. I have never had any outbreaks and I got tested within a week of my last indiscretion so that means that I have had this for a while; either the last monogamous unprotected partner or before.

The Dr that gave me the news is actually a NP and not the DR. She didn’t give me the test names or the ranges for them either. I have read that the Quest tests sometimes come up positive when people actually dont have the virus as well as cross reactivity when HSV1 positive. I remember my ex having cold sores but didn’t think anything of it not that this is the possible source as I understand no one can tell for sure.

I have requested my labs from quest via online to see what the tests were and what the ranges are.

Is there hope that I don’t have HSV2? How long should I wait to be retested and should I do the Western Blot?

[Terri Warren]

I can’t know if there is a reasonable chance of a false positive without seeing the index values of the test results. When you get those, let me know right away and I will let you know if you need a western blot. Basically, if your test results fall between 1.1 and 3.5, the CDC recommends a confirmatory test such as the western blot. Without the values, I can’t be much help, I’m sorry!

Terri

[und3rpr3ssure]

Terri I called the drs office to get my numbers and they aren’t specific on the exact number as Quest reported them as follows:

HSV1 IGG >5
HSV2 IGG>1

As I understand the HerpesSelect test ranges are >1.1 is positive.

I have also requested a copy of my labs from Quest.

Also the unprotected indiscretion was after protected sex and later in the night unprotected for a very short minute before I came to my senses and stopped. I believe she said IGM was negative.

The only other person that I have had unprotected sex with within the past 3 years is the same person so I would expect that If I am positive I am positive and occurred with her or prior. Previous to this I was with my ex girlfriend for two years.

[und3rpr3ssure]

Terri,

I got my results from the lab:

HSV 1/2 IGG, Type Specific AB Herpeselect:
HSV1: >5
HSV2: 1

HSV 1/2 AB (IGM), IFA W/RFL TO TITER:
HSV1 Negative
HSV2 Negative

I really appreciate your help. 🙂

[Terri Warren]

So 1 is equivocal, if the test ranges are the usual ones – neither positive nor negative. Not sure how to interpret that, but at least not positive

Terri

[und3rpr3ssure]

Terri,

The test ranges are copied from the lab notes. One does indicate equivocal.

<0.90 Negative
0.90-1.10 Equivocal
>1.10 Positive

My IGM also tested negative so I am believing that if I was recently exposed those would not have come back negative. I have been sleeping with the same person for the last two years with the exception of the momentary lapse in judgement that I previously mentioned. She has told me several times before that I am the only person that she has been or had unprotected sex with; not that you can take that for 100% truth. I have not seen the ex that cheated on me in well over two years.

With the IGG not showing positive, I would expect that I am indeed negative as I understand the Heperselect test can show low on the range if HSV1 is present and positive.

If I am positive, the girl I have been sleeping with has recently become HSV2 and then recently infected me and I have not had time to build a significant amount of antibodies in my system for HSV2. The last time that we had intercourse was at least 6 weeks ago and before that I can’t remember the length in time it had been.

My test results state 1 which is fairly low. As I understand any result from 1.10 – 1.5 has an 85% chance of being negative when HSV1 is positive. Is this correct? With my test results being 1 I would hope that my chances of being negative are slightly higher.

If I retest, I am definitely not going to go with the Herpeselect. I would rather be sure than waste time and energy with another equivocal given the tests issues when HSV1 is present.

With all of the above, I am feeling a lot more confident that I am indeed negative. What are your thoughts?

[Terri Warren]

I’m feeling good about your index values as well!
We actually have more recent research that the presence of HSV 1 antibody is not a factor in false positives (which you do not have, by the way).
Unfortunately, the IgM is not reliable, so hard to read anything into that. But I am very encouraged that at six weeks out, you are in the equivocal range.
I see no reason not to use the herpeselect again, honestly. I think it would be fine. All the ELISA tests have the same issues, I fear.

Terri

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