Possible False Positives + Family History

[scaredtobehopeful]

Hi Terri,
First of all – thank you for the amazing service you provide. It is astounding to me that you seem to be the SINGLE angel involved at this level. The forum has been a great comfort since my first results came in last week. Thank you. Here’s my set up:

03/21/2018
IGG, Type Specific AB: HSV2 2.06 H

03/30/2018
IGG, Type Specific AB: HSV2 1.69 H

– – – – – –

My sex life is safe. But not bullet proof. In the past few years there have been instances of ‘outercourse’, and unprotected sex with a partner after we had both been tested and confirmed to be clean. However – since my results came in last week, I’ve been horrified to learn that the CDC recommends AGAINST testing for herpes in asymptomatic patients. So – I am unsure how long I could have been infected, and how many of my ‘safe and tested partners’ could have been as well. The only reason I got the test was through STDexpress.com, who ordered tests through Quest diagnostics and involved no human-to-human pre-screening, where the necessity for an HSV2 test would have likely been ruled out given the fact that I have no symptoms or knowledge of past exposure.

I am asymptomatic, never had an outbreak or even so much as a concern. I have had cold sores in the past, but minor and few and far between enough to never be an issue. I always chalked them up as stress and fatigue related. (Less than 5 in my life I’d say.)

My mother is HSV2 positive, and had frequent and intense outbreaks in her mid 20’s and 30’s. I was delivered c-section to guard against transmission.

– – – – – – – –

How do you interpret my low-positive results?

Do a few cold sores in the past rule out HSV2 entirely? Could those antibodies be misinterpreted as HSV2 by an IGG test?

Could antibodies at this level have been developed in utero, because of my HSV2 positive mother? If so, that would indicate a true positive, correct?

Do you recommend a Western Blot?

THANK YOU.

[Terri Warren]

I absolutely recommend a western blot. And so does the CDC – for every person who tests with an index value of 1.1 to 3.5. BTW, the CDC says HSV testing should be “considered” in anyone seeking an STD screen so not totally unreasonable that you had it done.
YOu would not have your moms antibody this long – unless you were infected yourself, the antibody would go away on it’s own.

Terri

[scaredtobehopeful]

Thank you Terri,
I’ll schedule to get the Western Blot riling.

Is there any way to send a photo to you for a visual opinion? I have what looks to be a couple tiny ingrown hairs on my labia that I would have never thought twice about before – but now I’m not so sure.

I’m traveling and unable to get to my doctor, so your input would be very helpful.

Thank you!

[Terri Warren]

I’m sorry but we do not allow pictures on this site. If you are doing the Western blot with me, we can talk more about your symptoms at that time.

Terri

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