Low positive HSV 2

[M2KDC]

Arrrg.  This is so frustrating. 4 Days after fooling around (oral sex, fingering, genital rubbing) I get what I think is a yeast infection, maybe a bladder infection.  I get treated for both,  then lover boy tells me he might have herpes, but he doesn't know, so he will go and get tested.  I decide to get tested at Lab Corp.  So almost 3weeks after I get a full panel std done, everything is negative except HSV2, which comes in at 1.25 (IgG test).  This is a very low positive, any chance it is a false positive? HSV 1 is negative.  First test done a week ago, blood drawn again this morning with my primary provider.  

I have not heard his status yet, he will know next week.  

Should I wait to get tested a third time? Should I request a different kind of test?

[Life360_Dave]

Hi grace retired. If your hsv2 is 2.97 it is a issue of a false positive but if youve had it above 1 for a few different tests then you are positive. The only other option would be to do the biokit which is for hsv2 only. But again, more than one testing positive would be confirmed positive.

[M2KDC]

Hi Grace,

I went ahead and got another IgG test for HSV 1 and 2.  So now, the HSV 1 is negative and the HSV 2 is equivocal.  Another Western Blot?  I don't mind spending the money for peace of mind and accurate testing.  

HSV 1 less than .90

HSV 2 .97

Thoughts

[M2KDC]

I have stopped suppressive therapy because I am not sexually active and I have no symptoms.  No symptoms to the point that I am doubting the WB, how can I know for sure? I know that the WB is the gold standard but I am having a hard time with all of this because of the lack of symptoms.  I guess I should count my self lucky, but it is hard to wrap my head around it all.  What do I say, I have the virus but no symptoms? Sounds uncanny.

[M2KDC]

I have stopped suppressive therapy because I am not sexually active and I have no symptoms.  No symptoms to the point that I am doubting the WB, how can I know for sure? I know that the WB is the gold standard but I am having a hard time with all of this because of the lack of symptoms.  I guess I should count my self lucky, but it is hard to wrap my head around it all.  What do I say, I have the virus but no symptoms? Sounds uncanny.

[M2KDC]

Thanks Grace, I thought as much,

Take care,

[gracefromHHP]

igm testing for herpes for adults isn't recommended any more. it has a high false positive rate and is frequently positive.  A + igm and + igg means nothing.

[M2KDC]

Hi Grace,

Meds seem to be working, still unsettled in the stomach but I am working on getting my stress level down. Quick question: while filing papers I came across my test results and looked with fresh eyes. 6 weeks after suspected exposure I had a test done and only paid attention to the IgG numbers. The iGm listed positive as well. Does this mean anything, both being positive? Thanks.

[gracefromHHP]

you can also just stop suppressive therapy for a month and see if things change too.

[M2KDC]

Thanks Grace, I will continue with the acyclovir and try and get my stress level down, which I am sure is not helping anything or anyone.

Thanks for all you help, this website is the best, I really appreciate your time,

[gracefromHHP]

valtrex is an acyclovir prodrug. if you have issues with acyclovir, you'll have them even worse with valtrex :(  

[M2KDC]

Response from Dr.

It could be from the acyclovir. If you want to try valacyclovir, generic for Valtrex which is on our formulary that would be fine with me. The Famvir is not on our formulary. All of that class of drugs can cause that side effect.

Thoughts?

[M2KDC]

thanks Grace, will do.

[gracefromHHP]

I'd pursue these symptoms further with your provider. these are not typical side effects of herpes antivirals.

you can try switching to famvir twice a day too to see if you have same issues on that.

[M2KDC]

It's come and go, but mostlly settled in.  Now on the second month of acyclovir.  

What about tingles and no sores?  I seem to get random pin pricks in random places, but also around the thigh area, and lips/mouth.  Comes and goes, lasts for several days.  Quite annoying.  Is this the meds, the herpes itself, or something else.

Thanks a bunch.

[gracefromHHP]

I'd just stay on it at this point and see if it gets better.  usually it does if it's the cause of it.

[M2KDC]

Hi Grace,

I have been taking acyclovir, 400mg 2x a day for a little over a week.  Now I have very loose bowels, and have read that this could be a side-effect.  It also could be stress.  I'm sure you have heard of this before.  

Do I request a med change?  Should I stop taking for a while and see if it all clears up?  I am taking for supressive reasons.   Thanks,

[M2KDC]

well, the results came in today from the University of Washington.  Positive for both HSV 1 and 2.  At least I know and can plan accordingly.  

I am  not sure where I got it.  10 years dormant?  Or still dormant since I don't have symptoms.  Or someone is not being truthful.  

Not sure what to do now.

[M2KDC]

Kit arrived yesterday from U of Washington.  Took it in to the Dr. office and had them complete the blood draw, then went straight to FedEx.  I think the FedEx folks were a little put off, my guess is hey don't ship blood serum often.  

I will post results when I receive them.  

[gracefromHHP]

I've always only ever heard good things about the folks who take the phone calls/emails at the U of washington to help with herpes testing :)  

glad you are getting the answers you need finally !!

[M2KDC]

Well the people at U of Washington are nothing short of amazing.  I emailed my results this morning and they have already responded (my primary doc has not responded to a message left yesterday, go figure).  

My suspicions were correct; the insurance company only authorized the ELISA IgG instead of the Western Blot.  Fellow at U of Wash thinks my scores are too low to be a true positive and would like me to follow through with a WB.  And I will be doing just that, in addition to finding a new primary doctor.  

[M2KDC]

There were no percentages listed in the results.  I emailed U of Washington and and they confirmed they are the only ones who perform the Western Blot.  (duh).  They asked me to send the results I have and they will take a look.  I got a faster turn around from them than from my primary doc.  

[gracefromHHP]

there should've been a percentage with the inhibition testing, not just a + or -.  Terri Warren still recommends the WB due to issues with the inhibition testing.

currently you do have to order the test yourself and then have your provider order it to be drawn from your local lab and sent out.  quest is not routinely offering it any more like they used to.

[M2KDC]

I called focus diagnostics in California and Quest in Chantilly, VA.  Both confirmed they do not do Western Blot tests.  Apparently the code was correct, but when Quest called my insurance they authorized another IgG.  

results read as follows:

FLEXITEST 1

HSV-2 IGG Inhibition study, ELISA
Inhibition Interpretation POSITIVE
This assay is intended only for sampes giving a positive index in the HerpeSelect HSV-2 type-specific IgG screening ELISA.  A positive inhibition study inrepretation indicates a true HSV-2 specific reactivity, whereas a negative inhibition study interpretation indicates that the positive screening index was falsely positive.  

Test performed by Focus Diagnostics
Reported by Quest, Chantilly

So,  I am so angry I can not see straight.  I am glad I asked to see the test results.  I have sent an email to my Dr. pointing out the error.  And I still think I should have the Western Blot done, even if I have to order the kit from the U of Washington myself.

Thoughts?

[gracefromHHP]

you said previously that it was sent to virginia and then off to U of washington. if you have questions about where your testing was done, you'd have to call the lab and ask.  

just click on my name and you can get to my journal.