Interpreting HSV Blood Test

[johnhill80]

Hello,

I was recently diagnosed (visually) with herpes in the anal area. I wanted to follow up with blood tests to distinguish between the two types, so I went ahead and got them done. Sexual encounter (only oral) was December 7th, developed symptoms December 11th and test was done on December 19th. The results were as follows:

HSV-1 igg = 0.09 (negative)
HSV-2 igg = 0.28 (negative)

Since then I've read that new infections may take time to develop antibodies. I was in a monogamous long term relationship before up until about 3 months ago and have used condoms faithfully expect for oral sex after the relationship ended. It leads me to believe there's a greater chance it's Genital HSV-1 spread from a "cold sore."

My question is, is it more likely that it's HSV-2 because the results are higher and I'm starting to build those antibodies, or is it simply too early to tell?

Thanks!

[Life360_Dave]

The only way to know if your anal sores are herpes is to have a swab of a future outbreak. if it is herpes it would most likely be hsv1 not 2 as oral hsv2 is not common at all. Having a blood test at 8 weeks would be a good indicator.

[johnhill80]

Thanks for the reply!  I did receive anilingus from her as well, and I asked her about cold sores after I had my outbreak which she admitted to having since a child, but there was no noticeable lesions during the oral sex.

Any ideas on my main question?

[Life360_Dave]

Hi, first time outbreaks occur at point of contact so if your concerned you contracted herpes from the oral sex and your having an outbreak in your anal area, you did not as the outbreak would have been on your penis shaft.