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strange HSV test results

I have never had any symptoms of HSV1 or 2 in my life - period. Nothing even close.  I have been married almost 14 years.  My partner has been absolutely faithful.  Regrettably I have not, but it's been over 6 years since I have had sexual contact outside of my marriage.  My conscience (and a desire to have honesty in my relationship) recently compelled me to disclose my previous indiscretions to my partner and consequently, both my partner and I have gotten 'complete' STD checks - I'll save the counseling, reconciliation, restitution and soul-searching  for a different forum.  

Regarding the testing, we are both negative on all fronts except for HSV.  My partner is positive for HSV1, but negative for HSV2.  My partner has never shown symptoms of HSV1 (or HSV 2 for that matter). My results are as follows:

Name: HSV 1 IgG, Type Spec      Value: <0.91         Reference Range:  0.00-0.90 index     Interpretation: Negative
Name: HSV I/II IgG                      Value: 4.9             Reference Range: 0.0-0.8 index         Interpretation: Positive
Name: HSV 2 IgG, Type Spec      Value: <0.91         Reference Range: 0.00-0.90 index      Interpretation: Negative

Because of the positive result on the HSV 1/2 IgG (bad news), and the negative results on the separate type-specific tests (good news), overall, the results are 'Inconclusive.'

FYI - the samples were taken by my doctor and sent to LabCorps.

Also FYI - I had chicken pox about 30 years ago (if that's relevant).

My plan (as suggested by the doctor) is to take the tests again in 3-4 weeks time. He queried Labcorps who in turn stated that "the EIA test combination is not specific to Herpes and that it could be a cross reaction or sign of early detection or pt is recovering from it...'  

Well, I can't see how it could be early detection (unless I somehow picked up HSV1 just now from my wife after 13 years of marriage).  

I'm not sure what 'pt is recovering from it' means.  I thought Herpes was 'the gift that keeps on giving.'  

What could cross reaction entail?  Is that cross reaction between HSV1 and HSV2, in which case I may have one or the other or both and the type-specific tests were false negatives? Could my childhood chicken pox weigh in here (I can't find anything definitive online about this topic), could it be a cross reaction with something else?

I'm trying to research all I can about the validity of the different tests I took in order to understand the strange outcome, and would value any input from this community.


3 Responses
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101028 tn?1419603004
of course I am correct :)

non-type specific testing shouldn't even be ordered on adults. since most adults have hsv1, it almost always comes back +.  Also many other viral illnesses, both past and present can also cause it to be false positive.  

chicken pox we think plays more of a part with false positive igm results than igg's but it still can cause the false positives.

A + non-specific herpes igg blood test typically would be confirmed with type specific testing of which you've had. since your partner is negative and your prior encounters were many years ago, it's not like you are in the  process of seroconverting that retesting in a few weeks would be helpful at all.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Well Grace, I thank you for that encouraging insight and on a number of levels, I want to believe you are correct.  You say that the non-type-specific 4.9 result is meaningless.  For my partner's sake though, and as a PA yourself, can you point me in the direction of a recognized medical reference (or any further reading I can fall back on that supports your position)?  With the fragile state of my relationship right now, I don't want to say "I ignored the positive result from my doctor because I saw on a blog that the result was meaningless..."

I'm sure you understand.

And one last question:  So what's the deal with chickenpox.  Does it play into this at all or not?

Thank you SO much for your quick response!
Helpful - 0
101028 tn?1419603004
Unfortunately your provider doesn't understand the testing they are offering.  The non- type specific 4.9 result is meaningless.  Your type specifics which is the right testing are negative.  you don't need any further testing done.

grace
Helpful - 0
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