[Question #8854] HSV
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39 months ago
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I am a female who was recently diagnosed with HSV-2 from a sample taken from what I thought was a scratch. I have had 2 sexual partners in 25 years. One is a recent partner & he tested negative on an IGG test after learning about my positive diagnosis. He hasn’t had a partner for about 1 1/2 years before me and used a condom with her. His doctor said that he 100% does not have HSV-2 based on his sexual history, test result and no outbreaks/feedback from previous partners.
1. He wants to make sure he is not a carrier. Should he do a Western Blot test? Something else?
2. Would an IGG test tell me if this is a recent infection or older one? I took a short course of Valtrex while waiting for my test result. How long do I need to wait before getting a blood test to insure the medication is not suppressing the antibodies?
Thank you!
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
39 months ago
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1. He wants to make sure he is not a carrier. Should he do a Western Blot test? Something else?
Yes, a western blot would be appropriate. Your situation is unusual and it would be good to know for sure if he is infected.
2. Would an IGG test tell me if this is a recent infection or older one? I took a short course of Valtrex while waiting for my test result. How long do I need to wait before getting a blood test to insure the medication is not suppressing the antibodies?
A short course of Valtrex won't interfere with testing, but an IgG test could tell if more about the duration of your infection. For example, if you have a negative IgG and positive swab, that suggests new infection. If you have a very high IgG that suggest an older infection.
Terri
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38 months ago
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Hi Terri,
My IGG test came back yesterday at 10.7.
What does this level suggest? A new infection or an older one? I had sex with the recent partner about 12 weeks ago. Also, the blood work was taken during an outbreak. Not sure if that causes antibodies to rise.
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
38 months ago
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That level suggest that you have a well established infection, not a new one. Could it be 10.7 in 12 weeks? yes, that is possible. If the recent partner is negative, however, then you got it well before that encounter.
Terri
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