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Conflicting HSV Test Results

I was hoping you can help me understand my conflicting test results.

03/31/2009 HSV 2 IGG HERPESELECT           1.48 H

10/20/2009 HSV 2 IGG INHIBITION, ELISA      POSITIVE

10/12/2010 HSV WESTERN BLOT (HSWB)      
POSITIVE FOR ANTIBODY TO HSV-1 BY WESTERN BLOT. NEGATIVE FOR ANTIBODY TO HSV-2.

03/15/2011
HSV 1 IGG TYPE SPECIFIC AB 0.00
HSV 2 IGG TYPE SPECIFIC AB 1.37 H

03/31/2011 HSV WESTERN BLOT (HSWB)
POSITIVE FOR ANTIBODY TO HSV-1 BY WESTERN BLOT. NEGATIVE FOR ANTIBODY TO HSV-2.

Why am I showing positive in 3 of the tests and negative for the two western blots for HSV2?
Why are the Igg tests not picking up the HSV1?

I realized that in my panel of April 06 2009 for other STDs I had the following:
HEPATITIS B SURFACE REACTIVE
On a later check up my HEPATITIS B SURFACE WAS NON REACTIVE (MARCH 15 2011)

Could Hepatitis B cause cross reaction? If not, why are my HSV tests conflicting.
I have never had an outbreak of any kind, and my boyfriend (we've been together for a year now) hasn't either. His test results are as follows:
09/03/2010 HSV 1 and 2-Specific Ab, IgG     HSV 1 IgG, Type Spec 1.74 High
02/18/2011 HSV WESTERN BLOT (HSWB)
POSITIVE FOR ANTIBODY TO HSV-1 BY WESTERN BLOT. NEGATIVE FOR ANTIBODY TO HSV-2.

In your opinion, do I have HSV-2 or not?
Why the different results? What test is the most reliable?

Thanks so much for your time :)
5 Responses
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Avatar universal
A related discussion, I'd repost this to Dr. Handsfield et al was started.
Helpful - 0
936016 tn?1332765604
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello

Chicken pox will not alter your results - we all had chicken pox.

You've added this beneath:-

Thanks for your response.
I am even more confused now. I live in the US and have at least 4 different opinion which agree that the Western Blot is the gold standard and that based on my history of no outbreaks I do NOT have HSV2.

Well as you can see, I think that is incorrect. No outbreaks certainly does not rule out HSV. Western Blot was the gold standard years ago - it is not now.


If Western Blots are variable what is the most reliable test?

I've answered this already above

The people I consulted with have been carrying out studies regarding HSV and the reliability of the more "commercial" IgG tests.

I'm not sure what relevance this has.


With reference to HepB, can't you get a positive result from vaccination because of the antibodies in your system?

No - you didn't have antibodies you had surface antigen = new possibly transient infection.

The other doctors (Gynecologists) have no idea of the existence of the WB and think that my results express a possible exposure but it doesnt mean i am infected.

Can you understand why I am so confused?

Yes - but you are confusing yourself by taking so many opinions including adding mine in - go and SEE and Infectious Disease specialist and ask him or her. Stop googling and asking numerous doctors - you're just adding to your level of confusion.

best wishes, Sean

Thank you.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I also had the chickenpox when i was younger... could that create a false positive result?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for your response.
I am even more confused now. I live in the US and have at least 4 different opinion which agree that the Western Blot is the gold standard and that based on my history of no outbreaks I do NOT have HSV2. If Western Blots are variable what is the most reliable test?
The people I consulted with have been carrying out studies regarding HSV and the reliability of the more "commercial" IgG tests.
With reference to HepB, can't you get a positive result from vaccination because of the antibodies in your system?

The other doctors (Gynecologists) have no idea of the existence of the WB and think that my results express a possible exposure but it doesnt mean i am infected.

Can you understand why I am so confused?

Thank you.
Helpful - 0
936016 tn?1332765604
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello

Western Blots are variable - they used to be the gold standard for many types of tests but in reality they have been overtaken by much more reliable IgG tests.

From these results - and without the benefit of actually seeing you and the results and taking our own tests at our own laboratory - I would say that you do have herpes 2 and you did have a brief infection with hepatitis B. I would go and discuss with a doctor your results and ask him or her to help you sort them out. I would also suggest a full hepatitis B profile to include surface antigen; surface antibodies; core IgG/IgM; core specific IgM; "e" antigen and "e" antibodies. The combination will determine where you are with hepatitis B.

best regards, Sean
Helpful - 0

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