[Question #4620] Do I have HSV-2?

80 months ago

Hello Doctors,

About 5 wks ago I got a full STD panel in which I received a false positive for HSV-2. It was determined to be a false positive because the first test was a an IGG test which came back with an index of 1.8, for a positive result. Then they did an ELISA test for HSV-2 which yielded a negative result. I was told to return to the clinic in 2-3 weeks to retest to be certain if I’m infected or not. I returned to the clinic for testing 3 weeks later and I again got a false positive, this time the IGG test had an index of 2.7, before it was negative by the Elisa test.

Two days ago I saw a provider about tingling in the tip of my penis that started 5 days prior. I also noticed some flaking skin in the morning at the tip when I woke up. The provider took a herpes swab, which also came back negative. After the provider assured me that what I had did not look like herpes the tingling went away so I feel like it was psychological.

I’m still really confused as to whether or not I’m infected. A physician called me on the phone and recommended I retest again in a a few weeks because it is possible i had a recent exposure and the virus isn’t at a level to show a full positive result.

Am I infected?

Should I begin taking Valtrex to avoid outbreaks even though I’ve never had one?

Will I ever have a negative IGG result?

Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner

80 months ago

The reason for retesting is usually that the infection might be so new that you had not yet made antibody. So repeating the test is only warranted when there might be a new infection and not enough time has gone by for an accurate result. Have you recently had a contact that concerns you?

Basically, the two tests are the same. The ELISA is a useful method for quantification of immunoglobulins like IgG. So I'm a little confused about this distinction. The Center for Disease Control recommends that anyone who obtains an index value between 1.1 and 3.5 should obtain a confirmatory test such as the herpes western blot (the best one). That test is done only at the University of Washington. That can be arranged by your own provider or I can help you obtain that through my website at westoverheights.com

I do not believe that you should take Valtrex at this time if you are having no symptoms. First sort out whether you are truly infected or not. I don't believe you have quite yet.

If the IgG is a false positive compared to the western blot, you may always have it, yes.

Terri

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80 months ago

Hello Terri,

Im considering doing the Western blot to confirm my status. After viewing your website, it seems that only Anylabtest now is the only lab that can draw my blood, but there is none in my state and the closest one is at least 100 miles away. Is there any other lab I can go to to have them send my blood?

Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner

79 months ago

Where do you live? I may know of a lab in your area where you blood could be drawn

Terri

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79 months ago

I live in NYC, in Manhattan

Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner

79 months ago

oh, we can definitely work that out. I have a lab I work with in NYC. Remember that this is not a test you can order yourself. If you want me to work with you to get this test, please set up a video conference with me at www.westoverheights.com.

Terri

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