Recently Confused Follow-up

[Mary3883]

Hi Terri,
As a follow-up I was able to get you some more info: I had full blown symptoms when the second culture and antibody tests/blood work were done right then and there. From the results Candida was found but no herpes on either culture (as I thought I was getting a yeast infection) that was correct. I was given 500 mg Valtrex treatment the day prior at my OBGYN when she visually diagnosed it..The second culture was done the next day along with all blood work.. On my HSV 1 and HSV2 -Specific Ab, IgG My paperwork states HSV1 IgG Type Spec <.91 the HSV2 IgG Type Spec was also <.91… However the HSV1 and HSV 2 IgM Abs, Indirect test indicated that HSV1 IgM Antibodies <1:10 and HSV 2 IgM Antibodies was also <1:10.. I am not quite sure what any of this means or the next steps to take? So I have 2 negative cultures and 1 positive and 1 negative blood-work according to my Dr. and OBGYN. Hopefully this gives you the insight you needed on my blood work so I have no idea if I truly have herpes or not. My Fiancé has not been tested yet.

Thanks so much!

[Terri Warren]

I’m not seeing the positive antibody test here? The IgG test are both in the negative range (<0.91) and so is the IgM test although since the IgM test is often falsely positive so we don't use it, I'm not sure what the cuts off are for positives. Is that what you are thinking is positive?

Here's the problem. It's really good news that the swab tests were negative but the problem is that it takes a while to make antibody, particularly since you took antiviral therapy, so if the test was done right away with the lesions, then it may have been too soon for an accurate result. I would strongly suggest that you get tested again when four months have passed since the lesions were present. Has it been that long now? Also I'm not so sure about an antibody test that was done "right then and there" There are a few in office tests, but I'm not so sure about how good they are. Also are you saying that the swab test for herpes was done right then and there? That is also not likely correct. It would be possible to do the yeast test right then and there.

It might be a very good idea if four months have passed to just start again with an antibody test IgG type specific.

Does that sound like a plan to you?

Terri

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