What Does This HSV Test Report Indicate?

Posted on Fri, 4 Dec 2015

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

Fri, 4 Dec 2015 Answered on

Mon, 28 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi Doctor,
I got my HERPES Simplex 1 and 2 tested. My IgG has come at 21.50 (reactive) and my IgM has come at 0.500 (non-reactive). What do these results mean? Does this mean that I am infected with Herpes? Also, will I pass on the Herpes virus on to my partner during sexual intercourse? Thank you very much.

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Without manifestations, transmission is unlikely

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.
HSV 1 infection is a non-venereal disease whereas HSV 2 infection is essentially a sexually transmitted disease.
You had tested for both together. Reactive IgG means an old infection as IgM indicates a recent infection. Reactive IgG for both together did not differentiate that whether your infection is sexually transmitted one or non-venereal HSV 1 infection.
There are tests available to differentiate both.
Transmission of the infection to your partner depends on whether it is active or not, and also if active its frequency of recurrence.
Dr S Murugan

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

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

Thank you for your answer. But it is a little complicated for me to understand- can you explain me whether i have herpes or no? And if yes, whether this may get transmitted during intercourse to my partner? Thank you very much!

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Your partner is not necessarily at risk

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back
You had Herpes simplex infection. But the test report doesn't indicate whether the disease is active or not and also whether it is a sexually acquired or a non-venereal one. Your sex partner is not necessary to be at risk for this infection.
Dr S Murugan

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

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

Thanks Doctor, can you let me know what test should i get that can conclusively tell how i had herpes

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Tests are not necessary in the absence of symptoms

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back,
You can ask for separate tests for HSV 1 and 2 (separate IgM and IgG for each). That will clear whether you have HSV 1 or 2 infection. Test available with Certain Labs. But if you don't have any symptoms of Herpes simplex infection either around ano-genital region or around mouth and nose, just ignore. No test is necessary. No likelihood of transmission of the infection to your partner.
Blood test will give vague information with regards to Herpes simplex infection. Along with symptoms it would be useful.
Dr S Murugan

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