Low Positive HSV2 and Neg HSV1

[anonymous91452]

Hi Terri,

Thanks for your work, I think you are very informative. Background: 25yr old male with recent IGG result of HSV1: Neg (<.9) and HSV2: 1.53 positive. I realize this is a low positive result for this test. I also realize these tests are most accurate at 12 wks and beyond.

Background: I am now 25. I was in a monogamous relationship until the age of 22 with NO sexual intercourse whatsoever, other than oral sex. Both virgins at the time this began. Since that time I have had a total of 12 partners in my life, majority were protected. I’ve tallied all out on paper. Total number of times I’ve had sex in my life (individual acts of sexual intercourse, not partners) is 25-40 (at most). I have never been with someone with visible outbreak or anyone indicating such. I have never had any symptoms of either form of HSV. Recent Sexual History (covering 12 weeks prior to IGG): single protected encounter – 3 wks prior to IGG; singe unprotected encounter – 4.5 wks prior to IGG; single protected encounter – 5.5 wks prior to IGG; single protected encounter – 6.5 wks prior to IGG;unprotected encounter spanning 2 nights (5-7 times having sex)- 9.5 wks prior to IGG.

SPECIFIC QUESTIONS I WOULD LIKE ANSWERED:

1. I realize testing too soon can create false negatives because antibodies have to build, but with these low positive values do they typically remain the same? Do you think it is likely that later retests will produce similar values that need to be confirmed with WB? Phrased another way; after seroconversion are HSV2 IGG values likely to increase or stay the same generally?

2. What do you think the risk is based on all the factors? Do you think it’s likely to be false positive?

3. I am meeting with specialist and going to ask for western blot, if she isn’t aware of it how do I find providers near me who are?

Thanks very much

[Terri Warren]

1. I realize testing too soon can create false negatives because antibodies have to build, but with these low positive values do they typically remain the same? Do you think it is likely that later retests will produce similar values that need to be confirmed with WB? Phrased another way; after seroconversion are HSV2 IGG values likely to increase or stay the same generally?

It’s all to early to know what this means. You are asking me questions about how to interpret this but it’s very difficult. I think we can almost safely say that the 9.5 week contact did not result in infection but the rest – with a low positive- I cannot say.

2. What do you think the risk is based on all the factors? Do you think it’s likely to be false positive?
Given that most of your contacts are protected, I am very optimistic that this is a false positive

If this was the result at 12 weeks, I would say there is an 85% chance that this is a false positive.

3. I am meeting with specialist and going to ask for western blot, if she isn’t aware of it how do I find providers near me who are?

I can order this for you. We can work on identifying a place to have your blood drawn, OK?

Terri

[anonymous91452]

Hi Terri,

(Responding to above). I met with a specialist who was unfamiliar with the Western Blot, but said that she would look into ordering it for me. I want to have it done, so I would like to find another avenue to make sure I can get it if that specialist says she is unable to order it for some reason. I live in Boston, MA. What are my options for getting the Western Blot Kit done from the University of Washington?

Thanks

[Terri Warren]

I can help you get it – but you will need a place to get your blood drawn in Boston. If you can find that I can order the test for you,no problem

Terri

[Author]

Posts