From the Guidelines
The result of 8.39 for Herpes II Ab (IgG) indicates a positive test for herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) antibodies, confirming past exposure and infection with genital herpes, as the index value is significantly above the positive threshold (typically >1.1) 1. This suggests established immunity, and no immediate treatment is necessary if you're not experiencing symptoms, as this result indicates a chronic infection rather than an acute outbreak.
Key Considerations
- The diagnosis of genital herpes can be realized using type-specific molecular or virologic tests when genital ulcers are present, and type-specific serologic test to detect antibody when lesions are not present 1.
- For the management of genital herpes, episodic antiviral therapy or suppressive antiviral therapy can be used, with medications like acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir helping to manage symptoms 1.
- It's essential to understand that HSV-2 remains dormant in nerve cells between outbreaks and can be transmitted even without symptoms, so using barrier protection during sexual activity is advised 1.
- You should inform sexual partners about your HSV-2 status to allow them to make informed decisions about protection.
Treatment Options
- For acute outbreaks, medications like acyclovir (400mg three times daily for 7-10 days), valacyclovir (1g twice daily for 7-10 days), or famciclovir (250mg three times daily for 7-10 days) can help manage symptoms.
- For frequent outbreaks (more than 6 per year), daily suppressive therapy with acyclovir (400mg twice daily), valacyclovir (500mg daily), or famciclovir (250mg twice daily) may be recommended 2.
Important Notes
- The sensitivity of HSV-2 serologic testing is high, estimated at 92%, but false-negative tests may occur after acquisition of the virus during the window period, which may be up to 12 weeks 2.
- Type-specific HSV serologic assays differentiate between HSV-1 and HSV-2, and the gold standard for HSV serologic testing is Western blot/immunoblot assays, which target antibodies to several HSV antigens in addition to glycoprotein G 2.
From the Research
Herpes II Ab.(IgG) Results
- The result of 8.39 for Herpes II Ab.(IgG) indicates the presence of IgG antibodies against Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2) in the patient's blood 3.
- IgG antibodies are typically detected in individuals who have been infected with HSV-2 in the past, and their presence can indicate a current or past infection 3.
Interpretation of Results
- A study published in the Indian Journal of Pathology & Microbiology found that HSV-2 IgG detection had a sensitivity of 73.33% in recurrent genital herpes diagnosis, indicating that the presence of IgG antibodies can be a useful marker for diagnosing recurrent HSV-2 infections 3.
- However, the same study found that HSV-2 IgG detection had a specificity of 85.71%, indicating that some individuals without HSV-2 infection may also test positive for IgG antibodies 3.
Management and Treatment
- Daily suppressive therapy with antiviral medications such as valacyclovir or acyclovir can reduce the frequency and severity of HSV-2 recurrences, as well as decrease the risk of transmission to others 4, 5.
- A study published in the Journal of Medical Virology found that daily acyclovir chemosuppression reduced mean IgG antibody concentration by 10% from baseline values, indicating that antiviral therapy may also affect the immune response to HSV-2 4.
Risk of Transmission
- The risk of transmitting HSV-2 to others can be reduced through the use of antiviral medications, condoms, and avoidance of sexual contact during recurrences 6, 5.
- A study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases found that daily suppressive therapy with acyclovir did not decrease the risk of HSV-2 transmission to susceptible partners in HIV-1-infected individuals, highlighting the need for more effective prevention strategies 6.