Reply To: Testing Igg Positive after Negative Western Blot

[anon9753]

Hey Terri,

I wanted to provide an update, and ask some final questions regarding my “case”. Again i’ll provide a quick summary:

December 5, 2016 – Equivocal HSV2 Igg 0.96
February 8, 2017 – Negative HSV2 Igg <0.90
May 3, 2019 – Positive HSV2 Igg 1.16
May 5, 2020 – Negative HSV2 Western Blot
March 22, 2021 – Positive HSV2 Igg result of 1.23
August 12, 2021 – Indeterminate HSV2 Western Blot
February 2, 2022 – Negative HSV2 Western Blot

I tried to have the February 2, 2022 testing performed as a paired sample, but the form was not filled out correctly. With this follow-up negative result, i’m relieved but have the following questions:

1) If the most recent test was performed as a paired test instead of an individual test, what would the results have looked like/would it have made a difference in the test or results considering the negative result?

2) I was taking isotretinoin (accutane) for facial acne during the time when the indeterminate HSV2 result occurred. Could this medication have had an affect on the western blot result?

3) Recently, and after the completion of the isotertinoin treatment, I have started to develop some what i believe are pimples (not clusters, only individual spots) on my butt checks only. Can HSV-2 present itself as single points on the buttocks area, or is this more likely pimples/acne?

Thanks for all your assistance and insight!