Testing Accuracy Questions

[manic]

Terri,

Long story short, I (male) had a previous relationship with HSV-2 positive female, using condoms and suppressants, but I have had some symptoms that I thought might be a HSV2 infection. I became very sick (flu-like) and worried, and noticed some small bumps on my penis. I squeezed at them until the skin broke before going to the doctor. I was diagnosed visually (no swab), and the doctors exact words were “it doesn’t really look like herpes but it could be.” I got the impression he went with herpes because I told him I was in a relationship with a known positive. The bumps he diagnosed scabbed, healed, and remain to this day, so I am quite certain they were not herpetic at this point. It’s entirely possible they have been there for a long time and I didn’t notice until I became worried/psychosomatic about it. I have also considered that it could be a very minor HPV infection, but I am fairly certain it’s not herpes at this point.

The reason for concern has mostly been a very mild (more uncomfortable than painful), persistent case of urithitis. I have read you tell numerous people that long term, dull urithitis is not a symptom of herpes, and at this time that is the only symptom of note that I have.

I took Valtrex for approximately 5 out of the first 6 weeks from the last date of possible infection. Once I began to research this a bit more, I found that my symptoms didn’t really match up with classic herpes and it was a toss-up at worst. I read you telling people that the anti-virals interfere with the test so I stopped taking them so I could get a more accurate IGG.

So, 12 weeks after last possible date of infection and 6 weeks after discontinuing anti-virals, I went in for IGG testing at Clinical Pathology Laboratories. I received a “<0.10 NEGATIVE” for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. How confident should I be with this diagnosis? I am planning on retesting at 9 and 12 weeks for some closure, but I’m curious as to the accuracy given my timeline/medicine use.

[Terri Warren]

I think there’s a very good chance that you don’t have herpes based on your testing and the timing of your discontinuation of antiviral therapy. I agree to the final test at 12 weeks would be advisable and if at any time, during the next few weeks, you develop a lesion in the genital area, please have it swab tested right away.

Terri

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