[Question #5194] HSV 2 Test Results and Antibodies
77 months ago
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March 2010, had vaginal irritation, some bumps but no open
lesions or pain. Doctor tested me for Herpes.
IgG test results came back negative for both HSV 1 and 2 (<.90). October 2018, had neck/back pain, fatigue,
and within a couple days broke out with painful vaginal lesions. Tested
positive for HSV 2. IgG results were 3.38 for HSV 2 (positive) and <.91 for
HSV 1 (negative). Complete surprise because only partner I had been with since the
last test was my husband. Was also my only partner in March 2010. Prior to that,
was abstaining from sexual activity and hadn’t been with anyone else since October
2006. Since never had any herpes like symptoms prior to March 2010, thought I contracted
it from my husband. Recalled that my husband had a cold sore on his mouth back
in March 2010. Husband tested positive for HSV 1 but negative for HSV 2. Raised
questions about when I contracted the virus. Have NOT cheated on my husband and
he has been my only sexual partner since October 2006. How could I test
negative for HSV 2 in 2010 and positive in 2018? I know you can have a false
negative test result if you get tested too soon after contraction. However,
with my husband testing negative for HSV 2, wouldn’t it mean that I would have
already had the virus in 2010 from a prior exposure? Does your body automatically
generate antibodies to the virus upon exposure/contraction, even if you don’t
have an outbreak or any other symptoms? If so, why wouldn’t I have tested positive
in March 2010?
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
77 months ago
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77 months ago
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Yes, I agree that the situation is confusing and doesn’t make sense. That is why I am reaching out. And yes, I have seen my husband’s results. 24.7 for HSV 1 (positive) and <.91 for HSV 2 (negative). Due to another medical condition, my husband and I have had limited sexual activity over the last several years. I think this has helped keep him from contracting HSV 2 from me.
Can you please address this question from my initial
post? I haven’t been able to find the
answer anywhere. -- Does your body automatically generate antibodies to the
virus upon exposure/contraction, even if you don’t have an outbreak or any
other symptoms?
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
77 months ago
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77 months ago
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
77 months ago
|