What Do My Herpes - And 2 Test Reports Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 27 Nov 2014

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

Thu, 27 Nov 2014 Answered on

Mon, 22 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I recently took a series of STI exams. All came back fine except for my Herpes 1 and 2. The results were as follows:
HSV 1 IgM Scr     Negative          Negative
HSV 2 IgM Scr          Negative          Negative
HSV1 IgG HerpIndx 0.46          0.00-0.89 INDEX
HSV2 IgG HerpIndx 1.22          0.00-0.89 INDEX

I need help interpreting this and understanding next steps.

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Have current or past infection with hsv2.

Detailed Answer:
Hu
Thank you for query.I am Dr Bharatesh D Basti answering your query.
I gave gone through the details sent by you.
According to the description given, the result shows the presence of IGG antibodies to herpes simplex virus 2.
It implies there is current infection or had past infection with hsv2.Usually it occurs in genital area but can occur anywhere in the body .
It is not clear about the symptoms, lesions , site , distribution of lesions, duration, intercourse hustory , partner history etc.
You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
Dermatologist and venereologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (18 minutes later)

Thank you Doctor. The last time I had sex was 14 days ago. It was without a condom. I have no symptoms - no lesions, blisters, sores, etc. and have never had such symptoms in my life. I can't attest to the history of my partner, but know that she does not have any symptoms. Of course, she or I could be a carrier I suppose. So, my questions are - am I now contagious? and should I be tested again in a few week. Also, where does a 1.22 fall on the spectrum?

Also, what about the Herpes Simplex 1 virus. How is that result interpreted?

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hsv1 negative. past infection hsv2 likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.
Titre above 1 is considered positive for antibodies.Presence of Igg usually indicates past infection.
You can be infective to others .More infective when active lesions are present.
You can get your tests done again if you are in doubt or anxious.
Hsv1 is negative.
You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh Basti

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (1 hour later)

Thanks doctor. I appreciate your responses. One other question which I know is totally my decision, but would suggest I go on a daily medicine treatment? Also, why do they say 1 to 3.5 is a gray area, but above 3.5 is problematic? As you can tell, I am reading a lot on the internet which is never good.

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Suppression therapy may not be needed.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.
Yes there is suppressive therapy with antivirals which can be taken daily or weekly regimens based on consultation with your treating doctor.
If there is no symptoms or rashes so far, I do not see any need of therapy .
IgG are antibodies.They are protective. It suggest that body has produced antibodies against a particular infection.
The high titres suggest likely that you may be in infective phase or passed through a infective phase.
You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh Basti

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar