Potential for HSV-2 to lay dormant?

[GBO]

My husband and I began dating in June of 2009. We both had 2 partners prior. My last intercourse before I met my husband was in September 2007 and the relationship ended that month. I was tested at some point during that relationship (off and on from 2001-2007) and was negative for whatever STDs they tested for (although I’ve seen you and others say herpes isn’t always in the standard testing).

I was tested specifically for herpes in the fall of 2013 (I had concerns about my fever blisters and wanted to be sure it was only HSV-1). My igG at that time was 0.19 and I was told I was negative for HSV-2.

I was tested again this week after a sore appeared. The culture was positive for HsV-2 and igG was 6.61. HSV-2 is 51.50.

It seems reasonably possible to me that my previous partner could’ve had herpes w/o my knowing. My first “outbreak” that I’ve noticed was about 6 weeks ago. One sore, very painful.

1) Could it have laid dormant from my previous partner w/ last intercourse in 2007? Or from my hubby’s last intercourse prior to meeting me in June 2009?

2) At an igG level of 0.19 two years ago, does that indicate it could have increased to 6.6 naturally?

3) Hubby hasn’t been tested yet. He says it doesn’t matter to him bc he isn’t going to use condoms anyway. I want him to get tested regardless.

[Terri Warren]

I’m a little confused. You mention the IgG was 6.61 and then you say it is 51.50. Do you mean the HSV 1 is 51.50? Can you clarify for me?

If I had to bet money on this, I would guess that your husband has HSV 2 and doesn’t know it and infected you. I’m again guessing that you mean the 51.50 is your HSV 1 score, since you describe a history of cold sores. It is likely that if you had a history of cold sores and acquired HSV 2 from your husband, that you might have minimal symptoms like a single sore as the HSV 1 antibody is keeping things pretty much under control. I think infection from 2007 is unlikely given a negative HSV 2 test in 2013.

I am assuming in this discussion that neither you nor your husband have had any other partners since your marriage?

Terri

[GBO]

HSV-1 is 51.50, sorry about that.

I haven’t had other partners since I began dating my husband in 2009. He says he hasn’t either and, while I have no reason to doubt him, I suppose it’s a small fear. He has never had symptoms of HSV1 or 2.

[Terri Warren]

Then it seems to me that the only reasonable explanation here is that you acquired HSV 2 from your husband at some point and he doesn’t realize he has this. Eighty percent of those infected with HSV 2 don’t know it so I wouldn’t be quite jumping to any conclusions about infidelity at all. You probably know in your gut if your husband is susceptible to straying. If your husband tests negative for HSV 2, then I think a herpes western blot for you would be good advice, but I’ll bet a lot of money he has HSV 2 and doesn’t know it.

Terri

[GBO]

Thanks for your help, Terri.

My last question: how is it possible that I got HSV-2 from my husband at this point? We’ve been sexually active for 6 years, my test in 2013 was negative. How could I have gotten it at this point but not earlier in our relationship if he was positive before we got together?

[Terri Warren]

People who have herpes don’t shed virus all the time, they shed it intermittently and some shed infrequently. That’s why, when we talk to people about timing their testing, we suggest they time from the last time they had sex for greatest accuracy.

The other thing you might want to do is get a copy of those 2013 results and be certain what they told you was accurate.

Terri

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