Different results with Biokit and Western Blot

[confused94]

I tested positive for both hsv1 with 2.3 and hsv2 with 1.9 a few years ago. Because I tested positive for both I had the Biokit done. It was about a year after my first OB and it came back NEGATIVE. My outbreaks are more consistent with genital hsv1. I assumed I had genital hsv1 but wanted to get closure by having the Western Blot done because I just had another OB. The results came back POSITIVE for hsv2! I'm devastated... The partner I was with at the time denies to have tested positive for hsv2. He was the only one that could have given it to me because after the first OB, I tested negative for hsv1 and 2 until I retested a few months later which came back positive for both. I was not with any other partner for about 4 months prior to this one. I took another blood test after the initial negative result because it was done too soon after my initial OB. My questions are:

1. What do I make of my conflicting Biokit and WB results?
2. I had my blood drawn for the WB while having an OB so would that affect the results?
3. Is there still a possibility I only have hsv1?
4. How many months after possible exposure would it take to test positive for hsv?

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Yes, they can.  I can't point you to a publication, but we have several patients for whom this has been true.  

Terri

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Some people use the Biokit for confirmation, we don't.  The studies all show that the western blot is more sensitive than the Biokit, so we exclusively use the western blot for confirmation only.  I have never written that the biokit is a good confirmatory test, I don't believe.  If I said that on this forum, it was an error.  I may have said if you have a negative ELISA and a negative Biokit, that's suggestive of no infection, but the reverse, no the same.  And yes, the antivirals could have postponed antibody development.

I'm so sorry you are devastated.  I would strongly suggest that you try to find a herpes support group, or go online to find one, there are some really good ones out there.  Do some reading, too.  Give yourself time for things to get better, I promise they will.

[whywhyme]

Does taking antivirals yield that many false negatives? Are there any studies you could point me to?

[confused94]

My WB test came back positive for HSV2 and negative fior HSV1.

I tested negative for both when I had my initial OB and then positive when I retested 4 months later. I was taking acyclovir to treat the first OB. It was more than 8 months since I had been with anyone else when I tested positive for both hsv1 and 2.

I don't understand how the Biokit which is used as confirmatory testing be negative and now I'm positive with the Western Blot. I've read on this forum that the Biokit will give the same result as the WB and that one or the other were only necessary. So many factors like the low positive elisa results, negative biokit, my partner claiming to test negative gave me hope... I'm devastated

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I would go with the western blot results.  The western blot is more sensitive than the ELISA and more accurate.  I know that isn't what you want to hear, but I'm certain that anyone would tell you the same thing.  

No, having blood drawn during an outbreak will not impact the results.

No, I think you  have both HSV 1 and 2, if the western blot was positive for both, was it?

Most people test positive for HSV 2 within 4 months of becoming infected.  There are a few exceptions, particularly if you had taken antiviral therapy.  Did you?  

Another option is that he isn't being honest with you.
When was your last sexual contact prior to the person you describe here?\
If you answer these questions, I may be able to provide more insight into your situation.

Terri