Very concerned…

[veryworried307865]

Hi. My boyfriend has been my only sexual partner for the past 3 yrs. He has tested positive in the past for HSV 1, but not 2. He gets cold sores occasionally. 5 mos ago, he began getting a few small bumps on the head of his penis, not ulcerated, not painful, that last for a few days then go away. He has had them approx 4 times now, the last time was one month ago. Last weekend I developed a cluster of 3 small bumps just outside my labia, itchy, slightly painful when my underwear rubs against them, but nothing excruciating. Went to doctor 2 days ago and was tested for HSV 1 and 2. Also had viral swab sent for culture. In 2013, I tested positive for HSV 1 but not 2, and I have never had an oral cold sore or genital outbreak. My test results came back today and show the following: HSV1 IgG>5.00 and HSV2 IgG 2.96. The viral culture is not back yet… 1) I have read that this number falls in the false positive range. But since I do have a genital lesion, should I be concerned that I have been infected by my boyfriend with HSV2? 2)Should I get a Western Blot? 3) If so, should I hold off on taking the prescribed valtrex? 4) If I should get the Western Blot, do I need to wait a period of time or can I have it done now? 5) Given the elevated HSV2 IgG and the lesions, if we assume that this is in fact an HSV2 outbreak, is it fair to assume that I was infected between 2013 and now?

[Terri Warren]

The viral culture is not back yet…

I would definitely wait and see what the viral culture shows. I’m hoping that they actually did a PCR swab vs. a culture, far more sensitive, but you’ll find out. If either is positive for HSV 2 then you are infected with HSV 2.

1) I have read that this number falls in the false positive range.But since I do have a genital lesion, should I be concerned that I have been infected by my boyfriend with HSV2?

Yes, I think that would be a concern of mine. The number does fall in the false positive ragne (1.1 to 3.5) so if the swab test is negative, I would suggest as western blot yes and for your boyfriend to be tested for HSV 2 as well.

2)Should I get a Western Blot?

See above

3) If so, should I hold off on taking the prescribed valtrex?

I think you can take the Valtrex for a week to 10 days, sure, not a problem. Daily antiviral therapy might impact the test results, however,

4) If I should get the Western Blot, do I need to wait a period of time or can I have it done now?

I would wait and see what the swab test shows and also what your boyfriend’s screening blood test shows, then decide.

5) Given the elevated HSV2 IgG and the lesions, if we assume that this is in fact an HSV2 outbreak, is it fair to assume that I was infected between 2013 and now?

Yes, that is fair to assume since you had a negative HSV 2 at that time.

Terri

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