[Question #11069] Negative IGG Tests but I believe I have HSV2

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17 months ago
Approx 11 years ago I had sores on my penis, went to the doctor and tested positive for Herpes Virus (HSV2)  ... I have had about 13 episodes since that time that I believed to be a herpes breakout.   There would be years of no activity then I would have 2 breakouts in a row.   I believe I had 2 breakouts in 2022 but the symptoms are not clear---  I do not develop sores that open up,  they look like sores but they never open.   At the request of my girlfriend I tested again.  My HSV IGG test came back negative.  I have tested 3 times in the past 12 months and each time the test comes back negative for HSV IGG type specific anti-bodies.   How is this possible ??   The test was conducted by Quest Diagnostics.  I am very confused.   If I have herpes I should have the antibodies for life.  Are these tests false negative?  How could there be 3 negative tests in a row over a 12 month period.   Is it possible that I DO NOT have herpes and that the original diagnosis was incorrect and I actually had something else?  I take generic Valtrex on a regular basis to protect my girlfriend but she insists that I do not have herpes because of the three tests.   I am 50 years old and in very good health, I do not take any medications and try to live a healthy lifestyle.   Please explain what could be happening. thank you for your time....   
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
17 months ago
Have you had any of the 13 outbreaks swab tested to be certain they are HSV?  
The IgG test misses 8% of HSV 2 infections compared to the herpes western blot.  I think you should consider doing the western blot to be clear about whether you have HSV or not.  How long have you been taking Valtrex (since 11 years ago?).  

Terri
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17 months ago
 I was only swabbed the first time, but not since then.  I have been taking Valtrex consistently for the past 4 years, before that it was only when I had (what I thought was) an outbreak.    I have checked my test history, and since 2015 I have 4 IgG tests indicating I am negative -- assuming I DO have herpes, - that is an extremely high false negative test rate.......  if I do NOT have herpes how do I explain those past outbreaks... what else could it have been ?   I guess my only option today is to either go back to my primary care and request he put in an order for the blot test on my blood ... or wait until I have something develop on my penis to get swab tested ....   please let me know your thoughts and if you have any other recommendations...... thank you ... 
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
17 months ago
OK, I wasn't clear that the diagnostic test was a swab.  If the swab was positive for HSV 2, then I think there is very little chance that this is a false positive.  Especially since you've also had recurrences.  If you still have any doubts about the swab test being real, I would recommend that you do the western blot OR have a PCR swab test done from any future outbreak.  The western blot might be quicker if you want to know sooner.

Terri
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