Low HSV-2 result

[Llk]

I’m 10.5 weeks post exposure. Had unprotected vaginal sex. Started getting paranoid a couple of days later about what looked to me like some pimples on my buttocks and she went and got tested. Unbeknownst to her she had both HSV 1 and 2. I already had HSV-1 so I’m not concerned about that.

Went to the doctor the next day and had it swabbed. Doctor also did an igg test which I knew would be useless so early, but he insisted. Culture came back negative. PCR was indeterminate because not enough cells collected. Igg negative.

Had another igg test 5 weeks post exposure. HSV-1 was 7.66 and HSV-2 was .04.

Had blood drawn 3 days ago at labcorp at 10 weeks post exposure. Results came back today. HSV-1 was 66 and HSV-2 was 1.22. Went out and had another draw at quest since it’s my understand they use a different igg test (herpeselect) vs labcorp (capita) and called and ordered a western blot kit from U of W.

I’m expecting the worst here, but just want an opinion on the chances of a false positive and if there any significance at all to my HSV-1 jumping up so much.

[Llk]

Just to clarify, the first igg test by my doctor shortly after exposure was negative for HSV-2. The type 1 was positive @ 8.75.

[Llk]

Ugh. Sorry. To clarify again, I had a culture and what is listed as DFA, varicella zoster was indeterminate …not PCR like I said.

[Terri Warren]

Well, you aren’t worried about varicella zoster you are worried about herpes simplex so that was the wrong test.

Yes it could be a false positive at that index value, and likely is, statistically.
You need a wait a bit longer before the western blot is drawn, like 16 weeks post exposure.
The chances of becoming infected with a single encounter with an infected female is really low!
My guess is that you’ll be fine but you need to let a bit more time pass for accuracy.

Terri

[Llk]

Can a high hsv 1 level have any affect on the type 2 results?

Also, I just back the results from the hsv 2 herpes select test from Quest that was drawn Friday. Itcame back negative.

[Terri Warren]

Yes, a very high HSV 1 can impact the HSV 2 result in some people. Good your testing was negative for HSV 2.

Terri

[Llk]

During my phone consultation with you earlier today, I asked about the risk of receiving oral sex from someone with HSV-2 on the chance they had it orally, as that happened on Saturday (the same person in my first post). I also mentioned that initially when I first thought I was exposed in February, I was concerned about bumps on my buttocks and you indicated that an initial outbreak would be on the shaft.

Well, I just noticed some red bumps on my shaft, am freaking out, and wanted your opinion. I usually shave that area, the last time being 1.5 weeks ago if that matters.

I don’t know if I have any questions left but will re-up if I do not.

[Terri Warren]

You don’t have any questions left, no.

Terri

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