I Have A Question In Regard To Hsv Blood Testing

Posted on Fri, 14 Feb 2020

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

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 Answered on

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Question : I have a question in regard to hsv blood testing
Test 1 12 weeks post exposure 54.5 hsv 1, <0.5 hsv 2
Test 2 16 weeks clinic Saskatchewan hsv1 pos hsv2 neg not sure what test they do

Are these test accurate as I seem to have steady irritation and pain

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Presence HSV 1 antibodies have no significance

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service.
Thanks for posting your query.

HSV 1 usually spreads through Nonvenereal route, rarely can be a STD. Moreover almost 40 to 50 % population anywhere will have antibodies against HSV 1 as it is a common childhood infection.

You hadn't mentioned anything about your sexual activities and marital status. You had mentioned pain and irritation, not mentioned in which part of your body.

In the HSV test, are you reactive for IgG or IgM?

Kindly furnish more details.
Dr S Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (1 hour later)

This was igg test . Having pain around genital and rectal area so that is my concern. I am married. But unfortunately about 5 months ago woke up in a bad situation that leads me to believe I may have sex with unknown girl I can’t recall

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
IgG antibodies indicate the past infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
Presence of IgG antibodies against any infection indicate past infection, not necessarily active disease. IgM indicates recent infection. Quantitative PCR test for HIV will reflect the viral load and activity of the disease to an extent. There are drugs to relieve the pain around anogenital region. Consult your physician.
Dr S Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (35 minutes later)

Igm is the worst test to take and not recommended by anyone in the hsv field

Thanks

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (45 minutes later)

I should have mentioned the potential exposure was 6 months ago

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
There is no drug is available to prevent recurrence of HSV infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.

Once again HSV 1 infection is not Sexually Transmitted disease.

IgM antibodies will be present roughly around 6 months since the infection occurs. IgG usually appears after 6 months.

At the same time, please try to understand that Medicine is not mathematics to get constant answers.

When there are no manifestations in HSV infection, Immunoglobulin value has not much value. HSV is a self-limiting disease, heals on its own. Antiviral drugs cannot prevent a recurrence.

Regards
Dr. S Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee