Can Zoster Herpes Cause The Creation Of Similar Antibodies Like That Of HSV1?

Posted on Wed, 23 Jul 2014

Question: hi,
i recently did an STD complete check.
All was negative except, HSV 1, type specific, IgG test - 3.64 high.
I do not have any reasonable explanition for this to happen and am in denial.
Married, single partner 15 years, no prior sexual history, no symptoms at all.
10 years ago contracted shingles while working with a patient and had full blown blister all over face and body. Besides never had any symptoms.

Now i did the following tests and and came back negative:
HSV 1 & 2, Igm - negative
HSV 1 & 2 DNA, PCR (blood test) - negative.

So am i infected with HSV 1?
Can Zoster Herpes (shingles) can cause the creation of similar antobodies like that of HSV 1?
What concluive test can i take?
Is there a test that can detect HSV 1 it self instead of antibodies?
Is western blot test needed here?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (50 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
previous HSV1 infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thank you for query. I am Dr Bharatesh D Basti (dermatologist and venerologist answering.

Are you sure that you had shingles earlier as even herpes simplex 1 also has similar features. Please find out about same.

Presence of IgG indicates past HSV1 infection; that is there are antibodies against HSV1. So now there may not or will not have Active virus, so all your test to detect virus DNA or pcr may come negative.
So even if tests for glycoproteinG1 which is also specific to hsv1 is likely to come negative including western blot.

So you have got infection likely from source you mentioned. Hsv1 can spread even by touch or kiss. So it need not be only Std as a way to transmit.

If you need any clarification you can get back to me.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

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

Thanks for prompt response.

Yes, the previous infection was shingles based on my doctor at the time.

Is there any specific test I can have to detect the presence of the HSV1 virus itself instead of antibodies?

What does the conflict between positive IgG test and DNA PCR mean?

Is it possible that the antibodies for zoster herpes (shingles) be confused with antibodies for HSV1?

I appreciate your help.

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Details explained.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for follow up query.

There are chances of cross reactivity for antibody detection as both are similar group viruses and the antibodies produced may cross react rarely and was found mainly in children in some studies.

You have already undergone Tests for direct virus and found negative - HSV 1 & 2 DNA, PCR. A negative DNA PCR only mean you do not have active infection right now. Virus may remain dormant and test comes negative. They can get activated when in stress or immunocompromised states or when on steroids. We can repeat the test in case you develop symptoms in the future

But antibodies are (IgG) produced by body remains. And gives positive result indicating previous infection.

Antibody tests are more than fairly sensitive and specific, so chances of cross reactivity are low (though cannot be ruled out). You can get the test repeated if you are still doubtful.

You can get back if you need further clarifications else please you can close the discussion .
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh

Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad