Herpes 2 IgM testing appropriate?

[Wiston1976]

I was recently told by a past partner who told me she tested positive for HSV2. She had the Igg test and was > 5.0 so she is confident she has it, although she says she has never had an outbreak (she was tested as a routine test).

We've had about 10 encounters in the last six months, most > 5 months ago. We did have one in the last month. She's the only person I've been with in over a year.

I actually had a HSV 1/2 Igg test about a week prior to her testing (which was a week after our last encounter) (I told her I was getting tested, routinely, and she decided she wanted to as well). My HSV 1/2 tests were both < .9 and considered negative.

Since we had contact within the last month (last was 3 weeks ago and just before I had my HSV test), would there be any benefit to me getting a HSV IgM test? If I tested negative on IgM would that provide any reassurance that I perhaps was not infected?

Having to wait 12-14 weeks before another Igg test feels like a long time and I was wondering if the IgM test could provide some relief in shortening that window?

I am currently dating (although not sexually active with anyone) and feel like I need to get this ironed out before I can proceed without risking anyone else's health. If the IgM test isn't appropriate, how long should I wait before having another Igg test to feel confident I'm not a risk to expose anyone else?

Thank you for any information!

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

No, she does not need a western bot.

Terri

[Wiston1976]

Thanks for your response.

I pretty much expected that was the response I'd receive regarding IgM testing, but I had to ask. I'm OK with waiting it out.

Her test was LabCorp's IgG type specific test. Her results were negative HSV1 and HSV2 was 6.99. Last I spoke with her, although she has never had an OB, she was not planning on doing western blot or any confirmation testing since the index was so high.

She told me it had been approximately 18 months since she had any sexual contact with anyone other than myself, so I assume she would have had to have it for at least that long.

Thank you!

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

No, an IgM test would not help you.  It is notoriously incorrect and I strongly discourage you from taking that approach.  I know you would like to shorten the waiting time but I don't think that's going to happen.  However, I would encourage you to talk to her about her positive test.  What was the index value?  Was it an IgG or IgM test?  If you can get me that info, I may be able to shed some light on her diagnostic workup results.

I think you should wait a minimum of 12 weeks before believing a negative antibody test.  Since you are negative for both, your antibody test might show up positive sooner.


Terri