What Is The Reason For Low IGG Result On A HSV 2 Test?

Posted on Mon, 17 Nov 2014

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

Sun, 16 Nov 2014 Answered on

Wed, 10 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : a low iGG result on a hsv 2 test such as a 2 after about 6 months after the last time I had sex...is there a good chance that I don't have it?

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Recent infection only if IgM antibodies are there.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail and understand your concern.
Having HSV IgG in low amount means that in the past, might be months or years back you might have come in contact with HSV particles in small amounts. This triggered formation of IgG antibodies in your system. Is is usual in the population and many have it. This does not indicate any active disease.

HSV IgG antibodies are prevalent in a lot of people as found in a medical research.
Results showed that between 2.7% and 4.7% of the children aged up to 15 years had HSV-2 antibodies, increasing to 7.3% at the age of 16–18 years and to 13.6% among adults.

There is no need to worry and you do not have the disease.

The presence of IgM antibodies shows the possibility or recent infection and possible disease manifestation. Since you do not have it then there is no need to worry about any recent infection.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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