Question:
Hello everyone - I'm a little confused about my test results and was hoping someone could help!

I first thought I was exposed to HSV2 in May because I developed burning sensations and tingling (no sores) three days after sleeping with a new partner. He wore a condom the entire time we had vaginal sex, but then took it off for some anal play (no judgements please - I know - I am SUCH an idiot!!)

I work at an OB-GYN office, so I was examined immediately, and the doctor said that since I had no visual symptoms, he would do an HSV 2 type-specific IgM test to confirm if it was herpes or not. At that time, my IgG for it was negative, but my IgM showed up positive, so I thought I had definately been exposed to it.

Now, in September, I decided to have an HIV test and another IgG test for HSV2 - both have come back negative, and I'm confused. My IgM is still positive, but I haven't developed any IgG antibodies yet and it's been 3 months! Does that mean it might not be herpes, or is it just taking my body awhile to develop the antibodies for it??

The doctor said it was interesting that my IgM numbers for HSV1 and HSV2 are the same, (I've had coldsores since I was a kid). Has this happened to anybody else? I'm going to take another IgG test in three months just to be sure, but is there hope that it might not be herpes, and if it's not than what can it be? I've been tested for all other STD's, and everything has come back negative...

Answer:
do you know which type causes your cold sores? its prob the same type you think you have below thats why its not showing/changing what you think(if it is)

and i dont know why you wouldnt test for type 1 because you can get type 1 genitaly.
and join the club, it can take months to get positive results -personally i got to 8 months.

Answer:
From my understanding it can take a MINIMUM of 6 weeks to show up (for the IgG testing). But I have never heard of a maximum time...

Answer:
There is no HSV 2 type-specific IgM test, IgM testing is a combination HSVI/II test. The correct test would have been an IgG type specific test. What that a typo??

Can you post your results line for line, and include the lab that did the actual test if it's listed? HSV1 can be a tricky detection for some people, there are studies out there showing they're missed 10% of the time in IgG testing.

Any IgM results should be tossed, it's the wrong test for Herpes. The CDC doesn't recommend it, yet many doctors still order it. Tell your doctor to stop ordering this test!!!!!!!! For you and everyone he sees for herpes testing.

Are you sure you had cold sores (outside the mouth) and not canker sores which are inside the mouth and not related to herpes at all?

Regards
Mr Smith

Answer:
Thanks so much for your response Mr. Smith! Here is exactly what my lab results read:
Within Range Out of Range Reference
HERPES SIMPLEX 1&2
HSV1 IGG, TYPE SPECIFIC *6.952 [<0.900] REV
HSV2 IGG, TYPE SPECIFIC 0.061 [<0.900] REV

HSV1-IGM (IFA) *160 [<20] TITER
HSV2-IGM (IFA) *160 [<20] TITER

HSV INTERPRETATION
As of 12/5/00, HSV 1 and HSV 2 IgG testing is being performed
using Focus Technologies HerpeSelect Type Specific HSV 1 IgG
and HSV 2 IgG EIA test kits. The type specific tests distinguish
between HSV 1 and HSV 2 by detecting antibodies to glycoprotein
G, which exists in distinct variants for the different types (G1 and
G2 for HSV 1 and HSV 2, respectively)
The presence of HSV IgM antibody in the absence of HSV IgG
antibody may indicate current infection.
The presence of HSV IgG antibody in the absence of HSV IgM
antibody may indicate past infection at some undetermined
time. Interpretation of serologic data for HSV IgM antibody testing
must be done with the understanding of the cross-reactivity
which occurs due to shared antigens between HSV1 and HSV2.


I have had type 1 since I was a child, and I'm definately sure they're coldsores (herpes), and not canker sores - only happens once every one or two years and it's on the same spot everytime - right on the corner of my mouth...
What do you think of this test - is it possible that I don't have type 2 because it's been three months and I haven't developed "out of range" IgG antibodies??