Old Infection Vs New – HSV2

[MoreThanCrumbs]

Hi Terri,

Had a full STD panel done 1/3 to include checking for hsv2 after a single protected encounter with a new male sexual partner 11/21. I am in a 3 year monogamous relationship aside from this singular encounter. I took the test out of an abundance of caution. I did have a small pimple like bump located right in a gold near the vaginal entrance develop 3 days post exposure with the new partner. It was uncomfortable and I lanced it. What drained out was typical of an ingrown hair. Immediately felt better and was healed before I could have it swabbed three days later.

The results came back with an IGG index of 21.1 for HSV2 my HSV1 was 0. While I am accepting there is not a “false” positive here, my question is how likely is it this infection came from the singular encounter? Do IGG readings go this high within 6 weeks of exposure? Is it possible this is a well established infection?

I have had a HSV2 test done two years ago and was not told it was positive by my OB.

I do have a confirmatory test pending. For reference I’m a female and my partners have been male.

Thanks!

[Terri Warren]

I would agree that this is very likely a true positive result for HSV 2.
Could it be that high after having protected sex with someone 6 weeks ago? I seriously doubt it. condoms reduce transmission from men to women by 96% so that, in my mind, just about seals the deal with you had it before, though of course, I can’t be 100% certain.

Terri

[MoreThanCrumbs]

Thanks for the rapid response, Terri.

I received the inhibition interpretation and it also confirmed “positive” at 89.1%.

However, it also listed my IGG index on this one as well. It stated it was 11.6. This blood work was taken 2 days after the other that came back with 21.1. Same diagnostic center.

Is it possible to have this large of an IGG gap in just two days?

And, to confirm, the 11.6 reading, would it also be relatively safe to say that IGG reading indicates the infection is well established vs being newer?

Thank you for you insights!

[Terri Warren]

I still think with a positive inhibition assay along with an index value above 10 that you have HSV 2 infection.

Terri

[Author]

Posts