Interpreting HSV-2 results

[normjames5]

Hey everyone,

I had a protected sexual encounter with a woman 8 weeks ago.  I took a Herpes select test and came back with a HSV-1 score at 5.5 and HSV-2 score at 0.65.  

I've taken this test 3 times over the years and HSV-1 score has always been 5-6.  But my HSV-2 score has always been in the 0.2 range.  

My question is - should I be concerned my negative result went from 0.2 to 0.65 or is this change normal variance?  Could the increase in the HSV-2 score mean i should re-test or is that really not necessary?

I have had no physical symptoms.

Thanks in advance!

[gracefromHHP]

the changes in your results are meaningless. they are all clear negatives for hsv2.

your prior hsv1 infection is what would cause you to have minimal symptoms of a hsv2 infection genitally should you ever contract it.  

grace

[normjames5]

Also, is it a viable theory that if a person doesn't t have symptoms, it's more likely that they sero-converted earlier, because they likely produced antibodies to prevent an initial outbreak?

[normjames5]

thanks for the response. I'm prone to hyper paranoia, even waiting the 8 weeks was tough.

is it common for the number to fluctuate up and down?  or when it goes up from 0.2 to 0.6 it's a "one way street" and never comes down?

[ehbeedub]

It's unlikely that this jump is significant, but you did test a bit early, so there is a slight possibility that you are seroconverting. I'd retest after 16 weeks to be certain, but in the absence of symptoms, especially given your positive HSV-1 result which can skew HSV-2 levels, I wouldn't worry about it.