Second opinion PLEASE!

[Mg6636411]

Hello Dr.
Let’s get right to it.

I recently been diagnosed with HSV 1 & 2
I only took the test because I had a blister on my vagina no clusters around it or anything it did pop because I itched it. (There was a hair in the middle…of that has some significance) before I took the blood test I was still sick. The week before the exam I think I came down with the flu. I was coughing a lot, I was really congested and had a sore throat, which felt like strep throat. When my results came back they were as followed:

HSV 1 and 2-Specific Ab, IgG
HSV 1 IgG type specific: 21.40
HSV 2 IgG type specific: 3.40

HSV 1 & 2 IgM Abs Indirect
Both antibodies were <1:10 titer <1:10

I wasn’t really counseled by my doctor. She just told me I am a relatively healthy person so I will be ok. And that I probably got the infection 4-6 weeks prior to taking the test. Being that the test doesn’t show any exposure range, I don’t know how she could possibly assume this. Being scared to death and crying for days I started the antiviral called Acyclovir @400mg 3 times a day for one week.

I’ve only had one partner. He has no symptoms, or at least he doesn’t recall anything significant.

I would like a second opinion.

Could I possibly retake the blood test when I am not so sick?
How long would I have to wait to test in case the antivirals would affect my results?
Would a western blot be better suited for my given situation?

[Mg6636411]

Hello Terri,

I don’t know if you were able to view my post.

[Terri Warren]

Your illness likely has no impact whatsoever on your herpes antibody test. With one partner, this is pretty clear. Has that partner been tested by IgG blood test to see what his results are?
When did you last have sex with this person?
And yes, you definitely need the western blot – you have a low positive result and it needs to be confirmed by a second test. One week of antiviral medicine will not impact your test results but I hope you will not take more as it can impact your test results.
Can you get your partner to get an IgG test for herpes?

Terri

[Mg6636411]

Hi Terri,

Yes he is having his blood drawn tomorrow. I had a sexual encounter with him back in January. I had a new partner because we separated and he hasn’t done his yet but he had his previous partner perform the test and she came negative. I’m a little confused as to how my HSV 1 is so high. I hadn’t had a cold sore, but I’m sure I had a canker sore along the bottom of my teeth before. I did however order the test but they told me because I had taken antivirals I should wait 12-16 weeks. And even up until now my throat is still acting up and out the blue my tongue has become geographic so I’m going to see an ENT doctor. What are the odds that I don’t have HSV 1 & 2?

[Terri Warren]

Your HSV 1 is not especially high. Different brands of the test have different ranges for the positives and this is well within the range of normal for a truly infected person. If you have never had a cold sore on your lip or in your nostril, you cannot know if the infection is oral or genital. You only need to wait 12 weeks from antiviral dosing IF is was longer than two weeks in duration AND if you think you have brand new infection. You still have one partner to get tested to know that, right?

Terri

[Mg6636411]

Hi Terri,
Sorry for taking so long. A little background info. I recently had my labs printed out. Seems as though I forgot I took an IgG back in May of 2016. I tested 24.20 for HSV 1 and negative for 2. Since then I’ve been with the same person on and off who I am still with. Now, the person I had sex with back in January 2018 tested with the IgG May 10th a month after I tested in April and he came back with only 1.40 HSV 1 and negative for 2. The partner who I’ve been on and off with he had two people tested that came back negative for both. So, at this point he has been really hesatent to take the test because of fear. He says he doesn’t care we are in it together. But I’m more worried about him and still confused as to how I got it to begin with. Because if it was him then the person in January should’ve tested positive, no?
***Btw my tongue is still acting weird. No lesions, it’s like my taste buds are gone or something. My tongue was completely stripped at one point.

I want to take the western blot. This is something I will bring up with my pcp next week.
If my pcp were to offer another IgG should I refuse and go for the WB?

My significant other wants to know if we can still have sex with a condom even though I want to do the WB. I’ve been telling him no because I want accurate results.

[Terri Warren]

There is no reason for you to have a Western blot at this time. You are HSV one antibody response is high and strong. The traditional IgG antibody test that you have had done misses 30% of HSV one infections so your partner could be infected and the test missed his infection. He is the one who should be a candidate for the Western blot rather than yourself

This is your final post on the subscription. If you have more questions, feel free to renew

Terri

[Author]

Posts