Seroconversion

[Runner278]

Terri, I have been referred to a pain management specialist due to pudental neuropathy. I have had MRIs, XRAYs, a spinal tap and a bunch on blood tests. Nothing has explained why this happened/is happening. I won’t go back into all of the details but this began shortly after I was exposed to HSV 2 genitally over a year ago. I’ve done tons of blood tests and the western blot. I am not aware of any immuno issues I have but I’m still testing. My question is related to seroconversion. I’m over a year from exposure but I’m wondering if for some reason I haven’t seroconverted.

I have read that most seroconvert within 16 weeks of exposure. Also, I have read it takes some people over a year. Can you send some light on how likely it is that I have not serocoverted a year after exposure?

I do have HSV1 orally and I’ve had it for over 30 years. I was on antivirals when I was exposed and used them for the first 4 months post exposure. I’m antiviral free for over 9 months.

Thank you for your help!

[Runner278]

Sorry. Meant to ask another question. If I have had HSV1 orally for over 30 years, if I were to get it genitally, would I experience flu like symptoms? I’m wondering if that may be what’s causing my neuralgia. I don’t believe my ex had it genitally, but I’m pretty sure she doesn’t know since she has had HSV1 orally for 20 years.

[Terri Warren]

I don’t believe for a moment that you have HSV 2 if you have a negative western blot and tested with appropriate timing. At what point in your history did you do the blot?
I have not seen anyone take a year to seroconvert by blot. If the IgG test misses 8% of HSV 2, it is possible that they could take a year to show up I suppose.
Often, people who have HSV 1 first and then acquire HSV 2, they don’t have flu symptoms.
Has anyone raised the possibility of chronic pelvic pain syndrome? I am attaching a link you might find helpful or it could be way off base.

Terri

[Runner278]

Thanks again, Terri. You’re insights and help are always appreciated. My blot was done 7 months after exposure, but I was on antivirals for the first 4. I was 13 weeks off of antivirals when I did the blot. Yes, I am working with a physical therapist on pelvic floor and hope this will help. This all might be a big coincidence, which is certainly my hope.

I know the blot is the gold standard. Is the timing and process of seroconversion different than an IGG test? Not sure if my question makes sense. Just wondering if a 13 week blot is less dependent on seroconversion than IGG.

[Terri Warren]

The IgG comes back positive more quickly than the western blot. The IgG looks for a single protein associated with the HSV 2 antibody, one that is different than HSV 1, but the western blot looks for all 16 antibody proteins and so takes longer to become positive. the University of Washington used to say wait 16 weeks after a concerning encounter to test but revised it to 12 weeks a few years ago.

Terri

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