Herpes Igm

Herpes IgM is a type of antibody that is produced by our immune system in response to herpes infection. The presence of IgM in the blood is used as a diagnostic test for herpes.

Recently Answered Questions Recently Answered Questions

All the answers published in this website are written by verified medical doctors, therapists and health experts. The Content has been moderated by iCliniq medical review team before publication. Post your medical clarifications on iCliniq by choosing the right specialty and get them answered. Your medical queries will be answered 24/7 by top doctors from iCliniq.

I tested for HSV six weeks after the possible exposure, and the results were negative. Should I go for a retest?

Query: Hello doctor, I had a test on day-42 (exact six weeks) post a possible exposure. The result shows HSV 1 and 2 IgM antibody (Serum, EIA). Result: Negative (0.64). Associated tests were HSV 1 and 2,  western blot IgM and IgG. What exactly is this test looking for? Only IgM, or both IgM as well as I...  Read Full »


Dr. G. S. S. Sandeep

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Enzyme Immuno Assay (EIA) is a type of ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). The test usually does not give positive results until about six weeks after exposure. The gold standard test would be a viral culture. If that is not available then, a western blot is rec...  Read Full »

HSV IgM tested on tongue came negative. Need a second opinion. Is there any Suggestions?

Query: Hello doctor, My brother had one blood test with herpes simplex IgM diagnosed to be negative, but herpes type 1 was diagnosed to be positive with an index more than 8. Before that he did a test on his tongue and it was negative for herpes. Are these results final? Or is there a chance that he is n...  Read Full »


Dr. Sadaf Mustafa

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) type1 is a very common infection in our population and it usually causes oral lesions known as herpes labialis. At times, the patient is not even aware of the exposure. It can spread through direct contact with the open sores ...  Read Full »

What could be the cause for the sore at the tip of my lips?

Query: Hi doctor, I have this sudden sore at the tip of my lips. I am wondering what could it be. I used to have frequent fat sacks, but this seems very different. I am attaching a close-up photo of it. Please advice.  Read Full »


Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have gone through your complaint and have seen the attached photograph (attachment removed to protect patient identity). You are having herpes infection which is a viral infection. You should try taking a course of antiviral like tablet Acyclovir 400 mg thrice in a ...  Read Full »

Will my HSV IgG test become negative after taking the antiviral medications?

Query: Hi doctor, I have mild itching at times. I also have a yeast infection, and I tested positive for HSV IgG. What should I do? Will this test become negative after taking medications? Kindly give your suggestions. Thank you.  Read Full »


Dr. Shubadeep Debabrata Sinha

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. HSV (herpes simplex virus) IgG (immunoglobulin G) test indicates the following: 1. If you test positive for IgG but not IgM (immunoglobulin M), it means that you are having an existing infection that has been prevailing for at least two mont...  Read Full »

HSV 1 and 2 are positive. But, my doctor says no treatment is required. Why?

Query: Hi doctor,I am contacting you regarding some health issues. Recently, I got affected by some infection in the private parts, which looks like an ulcer with fluid. However, I neglected it and did not consult a doctor assuming it would be a simple urine infection. I then visited a gynecologist, and sh...  Read Full »


Dr. Sushil Kakkar

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have noted your concern. You have genital herpes. It is a sexually transmitted disease and is caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV - type 1 and 2. Your test is positive for both HSV type 1 and type 2. IgM positivity and IgG negativ...  Read Full »

Should I take Acyclovir medicine for asymptomatic HSV-1 IgG positive results?

Query: Hello doctor, I am a 35 year old male. I weigh 68 Kg and my height 5'5". I am in a healthy status. History: No episodes of herpes except chickenpox in childhood. No infection of HIV - clinically tested every 6 months since last 7 years. I am straight and only 1 relationship with spouse. Both me and ...  Read Full »


Dr. Meha Malhotra

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Thank you for providing all the details. I shall answer your questions one by one. 1. As you have mentioned that you do not have any symptoms at the moment, there is no need to take Acyclovir. 2. A repeat test can be done just for your reassurance. Chances of false positi...  Read Full »

How to know if I acquired an HSV infection after unprotected sex with an HSV-positive person?

Query: Hello doctor, I had unprotected intercourse with a person who had an HSV-2 infection one week ago. I started to feel uncomfortable and had body aches, tingling sensation on my penis, burning during urination, and impending doom feeling. It started to mess with me. I developed a sort of anxiety over...  Read Full »


Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Kindly answer me the following to help you better; 1) Have you done HSV 2 (herpes simplex virus 2) IgM (immunoglobulin M) test? 2) Do you have a fever? 3) Do you have any itching or irritation? Regards.  Read Full »

I took a herpes antibody test for my lip blisters, but the result came as indeterminate. Kindly help.

Query: Hello doctor,I have had a sore in my inner lips since morning. I took a herpes antibody test, but the result came as indeterminate.Kindly help.  Read Full »


Dr. N. Ashok Viswanath

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I acknowledge the test report and image attached with this query (attachments removed to protect the patient’s identity). The blood investigations show indeterminate herpes simplex IgM (immunoglobulin M) antibody. I suggest you repeat the test to confirm...  Read Full »

Do HSV infection recur?

Query: Hello doctor, Some months back, I got a sore on my lips. So, I went to see the doctor who diagnosed it as HSV-1 through a swab test. It was the first time I had it, and I did not know about it before. I did not have a recurrence even after three months, but I was told that it is a recurrent conditio...  Read Full »


Dr. Suvash Sahu

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have read your query and concerns. It seems you have herpes labialis. It is an infection of the oral mucosa seen in young adults due to HSV (herpes simplex virus) type 1 or rarely type 2. It is a common disease, and in most cases, the transfer is through sexual contact...  Read Full »

What do IgG and IgM values in HSV tests indicate?

Query: Hi doctor, If the results of a laboratory blood test for HSV 1 and HSV 2 come back as follows: 1) HSV 1: IgG is 40.3, and IgM is negative. 2) HSV 2: IgG is 3.2, the supplemental reflex test is negative, and IgM is negative. Is this person positive or negative for the virus? Is the low positive f...  Read Full »


Dr. Sugreev Singh

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Actually, IgG (immunoglobulin G) values present that person has had an infection already, and now antibodies are formed, so nothing to worry about if patients do not have any symptoms. At the same time, IgM (immunoglobulin M) shows current positivity of infection. And a...  Read Full »

ask-doctor-img Ask a Doctor Online

* Your first query consult is free!

Search for a Health Issue



Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.