Positive HSV 1+2 Combined IgG Test

[Ana_143]

Hello

About nine months ago, I got involved with someone who later revealed that he had a bit of a 'promiscuous' past. A few weeks after we last had sex, I got a really bad blister rash just under my bum, high up on the back of my thigh. I went to see a doctor and he prescribed some medication (I forget the name) saying that the rash was caused by a resurfacing reaction from former chicken pox. (Let me note that this was in a third world country at a free clinic, so no testing was offered, and I was travelling at the time and so I could not follow up with testing). Anyway, the medication cured the blisters after about a week. I did some research on the medication and it is also used to control Herpes Simplex flare ups.

Last week, I had a Herpes test done (six months after the blister rash) and the results were presented as follows:

IgG anti HSV 1+2: ..........  Positive: Index 14
IgM ant HSV 1+2: ........... Negative: Index 7

Usual values:               Negative:   Index  11

This test was also done in a developing country. Now, I have read that if the test is combined, then it is pretty much useless, but can I infer that I have either Herpes 1 or 2 or both from these results? The test is a little pricey, so is it worth me trying to find out if I can get another test done and specifically ask them to split the results, if at all they can?

I am trying to stay as calm as possible, but given all this information, should I be worried?

Any guidance would be much appreciated.

Thank you.

[Ana_143]

Okay. I will see if I can get a biokit done somewhere.

Thanks again for the patience and the help and advice.

Kindest regards.

[Life360_Dave]

im not sure about the WB but i believe the biokit is available.

[Ana_143]

Okay, thank you for all the help Life360. I understand that nothing is absolutely certain with these things.

I suppose I will have to seek further confirmation somehow. I wonder whether you are aware of Biokits or the Western Blot being available in the UK? I will be travelling there and I think that may be my only opportunity to get any further confirmation.

Thank you.

[Life360_Dave]

They should be much higher but thats not written in stone. There is a range for a reason any anywhere in that range could be confirmed positive.

[Ana_143]

Yes, the second set of results should read HSV 2. And haven't had any sexual contact (sex or kissing) for over six months. Is it not possible for a result to be such a low positive six months after exposure?

[Life360_Dave]

Hi again, its only  mentioning hsv1 not hsv2 unless there is a type error on the second one. Low positive are indicative of a false positive or a recently acquired infection if taken prior to 3 months post exposure.

[Ana_143]

Dear Life360

I note that you are currently active. Any thoughts?

Thank you.

[Ana_143]

Hello again

I managed to find a lab which does Hepres Type Selective testing and my results were as follows:

Technique         ELISA

IgG HSV 1: ..........  Positive: Index 13
IgM HSV 1: ........... Negative: Index 4

IgG HSV 1: ..........  Positive: Index 14
IgM HSV 1: ........... Negative: Index 3

Usual values:     Negative:    Index under 9
                        Equivocal:  9-11
                        Positive:     Index over 11

Should I take this as confirmation that I am positive for both Types 1 and 2 herpes, or are the low values still cause for doubt?

And I don't know why the results are reported as whole numbers rather than ranging from 0-5 with decimal points...

Please someone respond with whatever thoughts you may have because it's all I can do to keep from losing my mind right now. I am considering lifelong celibacy as I can't imagine admitting to anyone that I have herpes, and I certainly don't want to infect anyone else :(

Thank you in advance.

PS. Does anyone know if Biokits and/or Western Blot are available in London, UK?

[Ana_143]

Oh, I just looked at the results again and it actually says the ELISA technique was used.

Thank you.

[Ana_143]

Thank you for your response, Life360. I thought the test used was the usual IgG Test, but with the numbers multiplied by 10 for whatever reason. Are you suggesting this isn't a fair assumption to make? But if you think it is a low positive, and could therefore be a false positive, then I will see if I can get a Select Type specific test done...

I am 25 years old. So if you are suggesting it wasn't shingles, then does that mean it was most likely actually a herpes flare up? I realise it's not possible to conclude that without testing on the lesions having been performed, but in your opinion based on the description given. And it was pretty painful. I could barely sit and had to limp slightly when I walked. Is it possible for a herpes flare up to manifest in that area?

Thank you, once again.

[Ana_143]

I really don't know why that keeps happening!

Negative:    Index under 9
Equivocal:  9-11
Positive:     Index over 11

[Ana_143]

Sorry, the rest of the results got truncated for some reason... The should be completed as follows:

Usual values:               Negative:   Index 11