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Previous Shingles. Causes Positive Herpes Test?

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Posted on Tue, 29 May 2012
Question: I may have had minor case shingles about 20 years ago.
If I did, could this result in a herpes test to be positive ? Even if no herpes? Or do the tests
Distinguish clearly between the two viruses?
I have not been tested yet but may at 12 weeks for some peace if mind
Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bharat Chawda (4 hours later)
Hi,

If you had herpes infection in past, then HSV) 1 or 2 antibody (IgG) test can come positive. This test is indicative of a past infection. It does not however mean that you have any recent infection.

HSV IgM test is indicative of active or a recent infection.

HSV 1 & 2 infection can over lap or cross-over at times. It is also common to have false positive result in cases the value is just over 1. Anything over 2 is XXXXXXX positive and indicates infection.
This is where your history of infection becomes important.

So to answer your query, "if you had shingles in the past you may get a positive antibody (IgG). IgM antibodies which suggests recent infection would be negative. We could distinguish amongst HSV 1 and 2 if the values are above 2".

I hope this answers your query. Should you have any additional concerns regarding this issue, I would be happy to address them.

Regards,

Dr.Bharat chawda
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Dr. Bharat Chawda

Dermatologist

Practicing since :1996

Answered : 988 Questions

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Previous Shingles. Causes Positive Herpes Test?

Hi,

If you had herpes infection in past, then HSV) 1 or 2 antibody (IgG) test can come positive. This test is indicative of a past infection. It does not however mean that you have any recent infection.

HSV IgM test is indicative of active or a recent infection.

HSV 1 & 2 infection can over lap or cross-over at times. It is also common to have false positive result in cases the value is just over 1. Anything over 2 is XXXXXXX positive and indicates infection.
This is where your history of infection becomes important.

So to answer your query, "if you had shingles in the past you may get a positive antibody (IgG). IgM antibodies which suggests recent infection would be negative. We could distinguish amongst HSV 1 and 2 if the values are above 2".

I hope this answers your query. Should you have any additional concerns regarding this issue, I would be happy to address them.

Regards,

Dr.Bharat chawda