Hello, I am seeking guidance regarding a recent test result that has left me confused and concerned. I am married and have never had intercourse, oral sex, or lip kissing with anyone except my wife. Due to a troubled marriage, only had hand or breast stimulation with condoms. Never had intercourse/Oral/lip kiss. Occasionally, a woman briefly touched my penis before condom use, but I ensured hand sanitization and applied Vaseline as an added barrier. I’ve never had symptoms of herpes or other STIs in 45 years. For peace of mind, I get tested for HIV annually. This year, I added HSV-1 and HSV-2 tests at Metropolis Healthcare Ltd. in India. HIV and HSV-2 IgG were negative, as was HSV-1 IgG. However, the report also included a Western Blot, which came back positive for HSV-1 . Western Blot was done together with IgG test despite a negative IgG, and whether it was a true Western Blot or another method like immunoblot. I’ve never had oral/intercouse/lip kiss except for my wife, haven’t been intimate with my wife for nine years. Could this be a false positive? Am I contagious despite no symptoms? Should I retest elsewhere or back in USA? Report Reference: 0-17 Negative, Borderline 18-28, Positive 29-255. Results: HSV-1 gC1 Positive 71, gG1 Negative 0 | HSV-2 Negative 11 | Conclusion HSV 1 IgG Positive & 2 IgG Negative

I reviewed an HSV blood test done in India using the Western blot method (or similar). The results showed:

• gC1: Positive

• gg1: Negative

• gg2: Negative

ChatGPT explains that gC1 alone is not diagnostic for HSV-1 because it can cross-react with varicella (chickenpox, which I had in childhood) and other viruses. Some Asian countries may incorrectly diagnose HSV based on gC1 positivity without considering gg1 and gg2, which are type-specific glycoproteins. According to CDC, FDA, and WHO guidelines, only a positive gg1 is diagnostic for HSV-1. Since my gg1 and gg2 are negative, ChatGPT considers me HSV negative.

Question 1: Is it true that a positive gC1 with negative gg1 and gg2 should not be considered HSV infection? My last happy ending with a kiss on my chest was 10 months ago; three days before the test, I had another during a spa massage. ChatGPT says gC1 can’t become positive in 3 days and is likely a cross-reaction from childhood chickenpox. I have never had oral, lip kissing, or intercourse except with my wife.

Question 2: If a spa worker had recent sexual contact and didn’t wash her hands before touching my genitals 15–20 minutes later, is HSV transmission possible? I gave her hand sanitizer, had petroleum jelly applied beforehand, and asked her to use a condom. Also, could a brief kiss on my uncircumcised penis transmit HSV? There were no visible sores. I tried to pull away before she put on the condom.

I reviewed an HSV blood test done in India using the Western blot method (or similar). The results showed:

• gC1: Positive

• gg1: Negative

• gg2: Negative

ChatGPT says that gC1 alone is not diagnostic for HSV-1 because it can cross-react with varicella (chickenpox, which I had in childhood) and other viruses. Some Asian countries may incorrectly diagnose HSV based on gC1 positivity without considering gg1 and gg2, which are type-specific glycoproteins. According to CDC, FDA, and WHO guidelines, only a positive gg1 is diagnostic for HSV-1. Since my gg1 and gg2 are negative, ChatGPT considers me HSV negative.

Q1: Is it true that a positive gC1 with negative gg1 and gg2 should not be considered HSV infection? My last happy ending with a kiss on my chest was 10 months ago; three days before the test, I had another during a spa massage. ChatGPT says gC1 can’t become positive in 3 days and is likely a cross-reaction from childhood chickenpox. I have never had oral, lip kissing, or intercourse except with my wife.

Q2: If a spa worker had recent sexual contact and didn’t wash her hands before giving me a happy ending with condom 15–20 minutes later, could HSV be transmitted? gave her hand sanitizer, can’t recall if she applied it prior touching my penis. Applied petroleum jelly earlier. She briefly kissed my uncircumcised penis to arouse me, but I pulled away. No sores were seen on lips.

Question 1: Is it true that a positive gC1 with negative gg1 and gg2 should not be considered HSV infection? My last happy ending with a kiss on my chest was 10 months ago; three days before the test, I had another during a spa massage. ChatGPT says gC1 can’t become positive in 3 days and is likely a cross-reaction from childhood chickenpox. I have never had oral, lip kissing, or intercourse except with my wife.

I am not familiar with gC1 testing at all.  However, the experience you had of a "happy ending" encounter with a kiss on your chest is not a risk for acquiring HSV 1 or HSV 2.

Question 2: If a spa worker had recent sexual contact and didn’t wash her hands before touching my genitals 15–20 minutes later, is HSV transmission possible? I gave her hand sanitizer, had petroleum jelly applied beforehand, and asked her to use a condom. Also, could a brief kiss on my uncircumcised penis transmit HSV? There were no visible sores. I tried to pull away before she put on the condom.

This does not represent a risk for HSV transmission.  You did all the right and careful things in this situation.

Terri