Prior genital hsv1, new test showing hsv2

[LivJ]

Hi Terri,
I’ve always had genital HSV1, since I was a child – the only theory I have is that a family member had herpetic whitlow and transmitted it to me that way. I was officially diagnosed in college after a particularly bad outbreak. I am now in my early 30s.

I have gotten outbreaks infrequently, getting less frequent as I’ve gotten older (last in July 2021)

I have a new partner and decided to get on suppressive therapy – valtrex 1g twice a day.

I went for a routine gyn exam and asked for routine STD screening and was unknowingly tested for HSV. My results came back positive for HSV 1 AND 2. I’ve only ever tested positive for HSV 1.
I’ve very concerned about where the HSV 2 could’ve come from. I have a new partner but as far as he knows, has never had an outbreak.
These are my results:

HSV 1 IgG, Type Spec [164903] High 52.80 index 0.00-0.90
Final 03/17/2022

Negative <0.91

Equivocal 0.91 – 1.09

Positive >1.09

HSV 2 IgG, Type Spec [163034] High 2.55 index 0.00-0.90
Final 03/17/2022

Negative <0.91

Equivocal 0.91 – 1.09

Positive >1.09

HSV, IgM I/II Combination [164807] High 0.96 Ratio 0.00-0.90
Final

HSV-2 IgG Supplemental Test [163013] Abnormal Positive Negative
Final 03/17/2022

Is this a new infection? According to the IgM?
Should I get retested for the type 2?
Does my new partner unknowingly have HSV 2? (I might prefer that he does NOT get tested)
How will I know where the HSV 2 will possibly outbreak? Is it most likely genital as well like the HSV 1 I already have?

Thank you so much!

[LivJ]

Forgot to mention, I’ve used condoms everytime with new partner.
Thanks!

[Terri Warren]

I strongly encourage you not to believe this diagnosis quite yet. The supplemental test from LabCorp and I’m assuming that’s where it’s from, has many false positives. You also have a low positive index value and the center for disease control recommends that you obtain confirmatory testing. Unfortunately, the supplemental test is not the best confirmatory test but the herpes western blot is. Also, the IGN test should never have been done. The Center for disease control says never to use it and Quest Diagnostics is taking it off of their list of tests that one can choose. I really do not think you should believe this diagnosis at this point. You can work with your own provider to get herpes western blot from the University of Washington or you can work with me but you need to get this test done.

Terri

[Author]

Posts