Can Chlamydia Be Confused As Herpes Due To Similar Symptoms?

Posted on Sat, 8 Nov 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 8 Nov 2014 Answered on

Mon, 1 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Can chlamydia be confused as herpes due to similar symptoms? Doctor took a look at inflammation (2 small sores) and declared it was herpes II. Patient was put under medication for herpes the same day. Blood test (ICG specific) was done the next day and it only shows chlamydia positive but herpes forms are negative. Results from swab test confirms chlamydia positive but doctor insists on patient having herpes II due to sores that were seen. What to believe?

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
it may be coinfection of herpes and chlamydia

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for query.I am Dr Bharatesh D Basti answering your query.
Herpes simplex diagnosis is usually done clinically. The smear test is not sensitive and often comes negative .The antibody IGG test for herpes also takes 2-3 weeks to appear so can come negative.if characteristic vesicles or water filled lesions are present they are considered as herpes.
There may be coinfection with chlamydia also which has come positive in the tests.usually there are no vesicles in chlamydia infection
You can get back for any clarification
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh Basti
Dermatologist and venereologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad