Western Blot Accuracy?

[jessi33]

Hi Terri,

I hope you are doing well and thank you in advance for your help! I have been worried about a study I read online. I’ve had HSV-1 for many years, but want to do the Western Blot to test for HSV-2. The study I read said that the Western Blot often produces false negatives for HSV-2 if the person already was positive for HSV-1. Is this true? This was a 2021 study called: Diagnosis of Herpes Simplex Virus: Labratory and Point-of-Care techniques. Authors: Nath, Kabir, Doust, Ray. I am really scared that I might have HSV-2 but it won’t show up. I’ve done many Elisa tests in the past and all have been HSV-2 negative but is that missed because of my HSV-1? I want to do the right thing and this study really scared me. Thank you so much in advance!

[Terri Warren]

I am aware of the study but this is inconsistent with the UW statistics on the blot. And it does not give a reference for their statement related to false negatives due to HSV 1. Also, that paper’s information on the specificity of the ELISA is inaccurate with data we have now about false positives. I think if you did the blot you could consider yourself negative. The HSV 1 part of the blot misses about 5% but the HSV 1 is better.

Terri

• This reply was modified 3 months ago by Terri Warren.
• This reply was modified 3 months ago by Terri Warren.

[jessi33]

Thank you Terri, that is a relief!! I also thought it was odd they didn’t have proof or a source for their statements about the Western Blot. In your last sentence, is it that the Western Blot is more sensitive for seeing HSV-2? And my HSV-1 won’t affect that part of the WB? Thank you again!!

[Terri Warren]

The western blot picks up 8% more infections than the IgG test for HSV 2, correct. And HSV 1 will not cross react with HSV 1 but it will report out HSV 1 results as well.

Terri

[jessi33]

Thank you so much Terri, you’re the best!

[Terri Warren]

You are most welcome

Terri

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