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What Does This HSV Test Report Indicate?
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.
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.
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
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
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!
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
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
Thanks Doctor, can you let me know what test should i get that can conclusively tell how i had herpes
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
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
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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