[Question #3209] Twice Infected and Negative IgG Test
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91 months ago
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I believe I was infected on 2 separate occasions with genital HSV-2 in different areas:
- In 2012. Towards the base of the penis. During sex, I felt an abrasion occur in the area, which was not covered by a condom, and a week or two subsequently some minor lesions appeared. Swab test confirmed HSV-2 and I think no further outbreaks occured.
- In 2014. Towards the glans of the penis. Swab test confirmed HSV-2. Subsequent outbreaks were few, maybe two.
I am certain that these were separate infections, since in 2012 an extra safe brand of condom was used and no slippage or breakage occurred. The infections also seemed to show a similar pattern of an initial noticeable outbreak, followed by none or limited subsequent ones.
IgG antibody tests are negative several years later. I read that being infected more than once is unusual due to antibodies having been generated after infection. I also noted in prior posts that the test is not always accurate, but am wondering if there is a link between the negative test and apparently separate infections having arisen?
My doctor, a sexual health specialist, is of the view that these circumstances are unusual and that the antibody response was low for some reason. Have you come across these circumstances before?
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
91 months ago
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I don't know how you came to the conclusion that you were infected by two separate people at two separate times. Condoms, even when excellent and well used, do not fully protect men against infected females. If you think this because they showed up in different locations, that's not correct - people can be infected genitally and have their outbreaks on the buttocks. There is no evidence to support that you were infected by two different instances, but who cares anyway?
The issue with the antibody test is the test, not something about you are or your infection. We just published an article showing that the IgG test misses 8% of HSV 2 and 30% of HSV 1 infections. I have come across your circumstance many times.
This board does not allow repeated questions, based on anxiety. you've posted here many times and I'm not clear what else we can do to help you.
Terri
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The issue with the antibody test is the test, not something about you are or your infection. We just published an article showing that the IgG test misses 8% of HSV 2 and 30% of HSV 1 infections. I have come across your circumstance many times.
This board does not allow repeated questions, based on anxiety. you've posted here many times and I'm not clear what else we can do to help you.
Terri
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91 months ago
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I understand and apologies for the repeated questions. Thank you again for the explanations.
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
91 months ago
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no worries, just wanted to give you a heads up.
Terri
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Terri
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