Igg negative - igm positive Herpes IgM - Does a Positive Herpes IgM Test Mean Recent Infection .

by Rich
(Hesston. US)

Does this mean if it is a type 2 virus that the contact was recent or is it possible to.test negative for igg and it still be a virus that has been in my body for some time?

Answer
Herpes IgM tests are more likely to be positive in early herpes infections than herpes IgG tests, but a positive herpes IgM test alone is not a reliable marker that an infection is recent - particularly if it is accompanied by a positive herpes IgG test.

If you have a positive herpes IgM test with a negative herpes IgG test, then it is more likely that your results correctly signal a recent infection.

However, to avoid possibly misinterpreting false positive test results, if you have no symptoms, you may want to go back for IgG testing at a later date.

If you do have symptoms, your doctor can test the lesions for herpes directly, without the need to wait for an antibody response.

Detectable levels of herpes IgG take longer to develop than detectable levels of herpes IgM. However, even herpes IgM antibodies can take up to ten days to develop after primary infection with the virus.

If you believe you have been exposed, but have no symptoms, you should therefore wait at least two weeks before getting tested - or even longer, depending on which tests are available in your area. You may also want to go for a repeat test after 6 months.