hsv 2 - Herpes Message Board

candy33 · 01-27-2008, 01:00 PM

My husband of 10 years and I were tested for HSV 2 my result stated that I was exposed to the virus and my husband's result is negative. How is that possible. P.S. I have never ever had and systoms of herpes could the result be wrong? I have subsequently done another test and is awaiting the result.

Thanks for your answer.

catharine101 · 01-27-2008, 01:28 PM

Your test said you were exposed?? That's not a valid test result. If I were you, I'd get the result of test in my hands, and post them. You either have it or you don't - a blood test can't tell you if you were exposed.

It sounds to me like maybe you were given the wrong test. Perhaps you were given an IgM test instead of an IgG test?? In that case, both your results should be considered garbage, and you both need to take the test again. Were you both tested for HSV1 as well?

It's entirely possible to have HSV (either 1 or 2) for decades and never show a symptom. You are still capable of passing the virus to others, though.

over21 · 01-27-2008, 01:29 PM

Every time I hear the term 'exposed' in statements similar to yours I think the wrong test was given. There are many doctors who are still not up to speed in herpes or proper herpes testing. It was once thought the IgM blood test determines if you were recently exposed to the Herpes virus. Testing for herpes has come a long way in the last 10 years. The IgM test is now considered worthless and unreliable since IgM antibodies can exist in someone who does or does not have the herpes virus, and not having IgM antibodies doesn't you a person doesn't have the virus. Truly a worthless test on its own.

The correct test is an IgG type specific blood test, HerpeSelect is the most common brand. Because detectable IgG antibodies can take a while to develop, it recommended waiting at least 12-16 weeks post last possible exposure. Note the difference in how 'exposure' is used. Yours assumes you have the virus, mine doesn't not.

Look at your test results, if you see any line that says IgM or IgM I/II, then those results should be ignored, period.

If you don't understand your results, post them here and I'll decipher them for you. I'm no doctor, but I do understand testing procedures for Herpes.

A quick note about herpes; this is a VERY common virus, 60-80% have Oral HSV1, also know as coldsore and fever blister. 25% of the adult population have Genital HSV2, yet 90% don't know it cause the symptoms are so mild they go unnoticed or misdiagnosed as a yeast infection or jock itch.

It's very easy to go 5-10-15 years with knowing you have genital herpes.

I suggest you read the Herpes Handbook by Terri Warren, it's a long read but contains lots of information. I suggest reading it with your husband.

O21