Testing for hsv2

[Muscha]

If someone is going to test using an Elisa type specific IgG test for hsv2 and they were taking supplements or herbs supposedly designed to "kill" or eradicate the virus, would that or could that alter the results to generate a false negative.  I've seen where it is recommended to not take antivirals prior to testing because of potentially skewed results.  I'm curious if the herbs or supplements could have a similar effect on results.

[WilsoInAus]

Only antivirals might be able to do something to a test and even this is rare or simply delays seroconversion by a few days.

No natural substance interferes with the immune system to disrupt the antibody production.

[Muscha]

2 hours ago, WilsoInAus said:

Only antivirals might be able to do something to a test and even this is rare or simply delays seroconversion by a few days.

No natural substance interferes with the immune system to disrupt the antibody production.

Thank you.  Here is the follow up.

How can some one test positive twice and then negative on Elisa and low positive 4th time. Here are the test score and dates.

march:

igg: 5.6

igm:0.60

may:

igg: 4.2

igm: 0.85

july 9:

igg: 0.6 elisa hsv2

igm: 0.25

july 23:

igg: 1.41

igm: 0.60

I'm told the first two scores had a cutoff of 1.1 so positive per those two tests.

Also.  The Igm scores are low but Does an Igm score indicate a recent infection only or can it indicate a current or recurrent outbreak infection as well. 

This friend was taking some herbal supplement during the negative test result on June 9. However, the exposure would have been in 2016 so timing for antibodies should not be an issue.

They are going to test again with Elisa Igg hsv2 specific.

Any other advice for clarification other than western blot at this point.?  Thanks as always.

[WilsoInAus]

@Muscha there is something not quite right here. Why would a person do so many tests in 2019 for a 2016 exposure? 

Looks like there might some combination tests going on too. That is, the person has oral HSV-1 that shows up on the combined and is negative for HSV-2.

[Muscha]

She had a scare and possible exposure in 2016.  Her boyfriend had lesions on penis and the outbreak came back at least two time same general area.  During this time she said she experienced mild burning when pee but no blisters or noticable outbreak except for a minor rash on left labia. 

Fast forward to now, she has been having irritation for last 5 months. Her Pic clearly looks like irritation from shaving or folliculitis.  She has seen 2 different gynos and a derm.  They dont think this is herpes but during this time she has gotten  the blood tests as described. Because this is also on the left side labia and she is thinking back and getting paranoid and scared.  She said all the test were for hsv2 specific. Not sure on the igm tests

Her Drs have told her the irritation is not hsv2 but she got tested and these were her results.

Do you think another Elisa is warranted or should she trust the July 9 result?

[Muscha]

4 minutes ago, Surprise said:

I say keep taking the herbs and re-test at a later date

I also said she should at least test again but it may not be warranted.  I agree the herbals cant hurt.

[Muscha]

I'm not sure.  I didnt ask.